New Manchester United signing Marcel Sabitzer could be in line for an immediate first start in the Premier League against Crystal Palace this weekend.
The Austrian international is a fresh arrival at Old Trafford having completed a loan move from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich until the end of the season on January deadline day this week.
United were forced to enter the mid-season market for a late midfield addition after Christian Eriksen was ruled out for at least three months with an ankle injury suffered following a bad challenge from striker Andy Carroll during the 3-1 FA Cup fourth-round win over Reading last weekend.
Injuries to Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay have also greatly impacted Ten Hag’s choices in the middle of the park, initially leaving just Brazilian pair Casemiro and Fred as fit and available senior options along with highly-rated teenager Kobbie Mainoo.
But Sabitzer now looks ready to hit the ground running and immediately play a key role as in-form United host Palace in the top-flight on Saturday afternoon.
“Very good,” Ten Hag told reporters at Friday’s pre-match press conference when asked how his new arrival had adapted so far. “Of course, he did only one session but you can see he’s a very fit player.
“I didn’t have a different expectation. He’s coming from Bayern Munich. German [clubs] they are always [about] fitness, [it’s] always good. So, he is [fit]. So, I think he is ready to play.
“I think he’s a really smart player. I think we gave him some guidance but I think he knows what to do, he knows the job, so he could do [start].”
Ten Hag was also quizzed on Raphael Varane, who on Thursday surprisingly announced an emotional retirement from international football with France aged just 29 after 93 appearances over 10 years and back-to-back World Cup finals.
The influential centre-back had initially been expected to take over the full-time Les Bleus captaincy from fellow retiree Hugo Lloris of Tottenham after the agonising defeat by Argentina in Qatar, though his decision to focus solely on United moving forward instead was hailed by Ten Hag.
“For United, I think it’s good news,” the Dutchman said. “Rapha achieved everything in terms of football club wise but also with his nation.
“It is incredible what he achieved, big respect, and I am happy he puts all his energy and experience into the team.”
