Man Utd star may have played last game for club after being ruled out for remainder of season
Marcel Sabitzer may have played his final game for Manchester United after being ruled out of the club’s final three matches of the Premier League season as well as next month’s FA Cup final because of a knee injury.
The 29-year-old Austrian, who joined United on loan from Bayern Munich in January, missed Saturday’s 2-0 win over Wolves and tests have revealed a meniscal problem, bringing his campaign to an early end.
“Everyone at the club is disappointed to lose Marcel’s services, as the Reds chase a strong finish to the season in the Premier League and FA Cup, and we are grateful for his contribution to our progress so far,” said a statement on United’s official website.
Sabitzer was brought in on deadline day because of injuries to fellow midfielders Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay and impressed with three goals in 18 appearances at the Old Trafford club.
He bolstered United’s hopes of a top-four finish and scored from the spot in the FA Cup semi-final penalty shootout win over Brighton that set up a showdown against rivals Manchester City on June 3.
Sabitzer came on as a substitute in United’s win over Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final in February.
Bayern star hints at permanent United move
There has been plenty of speculation over whether the Red Devils could try and turn the loan into a permanent deal. Indeed, Sabitzer only added fuel to that talk by declaring how much he’s enjoyed his stint at Old Trafford.
Sabitzer’s absence will be a blow to Erik ten Hag’s midfield rotation, although the fact that Eriksen is fully fit again after his injury issues and Casemiro is back to his best after suspension is huge to United’s hopes of finishing in the top four and beating City at Wembley.
The Red Devils are back in action on Saturday when they head to Bournemouth in the Premier League.
They currently have a four-point lead over fifth-placed Liverpool in the fight for Champions League football, although the Reds can cut that gap if they win at Leicester on Monday evening.
