Marcel Sabitzer has refused to rule out a permanent move to Manchester United - but he doesn't want to discuss his future until the summer.
Sabitzer, 29, joined United on loan from Bayern Munich in January after Christian Eriksen suffered a serious ankle injury against Reading in the FA Cup. The Austrian's temporary deal will expire at the end of the season, and there is not an option for a permanent deal.
Yet United boss Erik ten Hag has been urged to sign Sabitzer on a long-term contract, with Ian Wright singing his praises. Sabitzer has promised to "give everything" to the Red Devils for the duration of his loan spell but has quashed talk of a permanent move.
Sabitzer told German outlet BILD, "Manchester United made it clear that my loan was [a] project until the summer, then we'll see. Until then, I want to give everything here. Then in the summer, the whole situation will be evaluated."
Sabitzer has featured 12 times for Ten Hag's side since completing his temporary switch from Bayern. His future will depend on how much he plays between now and the end of the season, as Eriksen made his comeback in United's last outing against Everton.
Casemiro also has just one game remaining of his four-match domestic ban, which means Sabitzer's playing time could be limited. He may decide against a permanent move to Old Trafford if he slips behind Eriksen and Casemiro in the pecking order.
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It is believed Sabitzer is interested in completing a permanent move to United. Although the experienced midfielder has impressed, Ten Hag may look at alternatives when the transfer window re-opens. It's simply too early to tell what will happen.
Sabitzer added, "Of course, my thoughts are on Manchester United, especially with the trust I get from Erik ten Hag - it's very positive. I've found my place here. Now I know the Premier League and can say there's nothing better."
Wright was full of praise for Sabitzer after he assisted Marcus Rashford in United's 1-0 victory against Brentford at Old Trafford earlier this month. "You have to say, Sabitzer came up with the goods," the Arsenal legend told Premier League Productions.
"With the assist and in certain other areas, he was getting into pockets, making some nice little moves and always making himself available."
Former United manager Ralf Rangnick, who is now in charge of Austria, highlighted Ten Hag's impact on Sabitzer during the recent international break. He told reporters, "He [Sabitzer] has a lot more confidence than when he was at Bayern.
"Nobody dropped out in this game, but of course you can say that ‘Sabi’ was the difference player after scoring two goals and preparing one."
