Danny Murphy has claimed that Manchester United have really ‘missed’ a player who left the club last summer.
Erik ten Hag faces a decisive clash against Arsenal today as he appears to be battling for his future at Old Trafford. The Dutchman has endured a difficult second season at Manchester United after an impressive debut campaign in the dugout.
United currently make up the top eight in the Premier League and are in danger of missing out on Europe altogether.
The Red Devils will have the opportunity to secure a spot in the Europa League with a win in this month’s FA Cup final.
But there’s no doubt that United have regressed under Ten Hag this term and Danny Murphy believes they are missing Marcel Sabitzer.
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Murphy claims United miss Marcel Sabitzer
Sabitzer spent the second half of last season on loan at United but returned to Bayern Munich over the summer.
The 28-year-old completed a £16 million switch to Borussia Dortmund that summer and has played an important role in their run to the Champions League final.
Speaking to The Daily Mail, Murphy has explained why he believes Sabitzer’s absence has been felt at United this term.
“Along with Jadon Sancho reaching the Champions League final during his Old Trafford exile, another name in Dortmund’s team is familiar to United fans.
“Marcel Sabitzer was not a creative genius in his loan spell last season but he was a workaholic and contributed to their Carabao Cup final and FA Cup semi-final wins.
“Sabitzer’s graft and commitment in midfield has been missed in a difficult season for United.”
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Sabitzer’s record at United
Sabitzer racked up 18 appearances for United in all competitions, netting three times and providing one assist.
While his numbers weren’t exactly brilliant at Old Trafford, Murphy makes a great point about his work-rate being missed this season.
United’s signings in the middle of the park haven’t exactly excelled this season either, with Mason Mount struggling since his switch from Chelsea and Sofyan Amrabat failing to make an impact.
Mount is a similar player to Sabitzer in terms of his work-rate and it’s fair to say the Englishman has underwhelmed. But the former Chelsea star hasn’t had the best of luck when it comes to injuries and Ten Hag may have viewed him as Sabitzer’s replacement.