Erik ten Hag has gotten rid of a lot of deadweight around Old Trafford during his short spell at Manchester United so far.
The Dutchman has made 16 signings in his tenure around Carrington so far, but has got rid of many more. Some have been missed more than others.
The likes of Anthony Elanga, Teden Mengi, Andreas Pereira have all gone to have successful careers away from Old Trafford. However, it’s also apparent they were never going to cut the mustard for the Red Devils.
But there is one player Manchester United should have probably kept around, who could have easily been obtained for this seasons campaign.
Danny Murphy on Marcel Sabitzer
Pundit Danny Murphy believes that Manchester United are missing Borussia Dortmund’s Marcel Sabitzer this season.
The Austrian was acquired on loan last January, and had a very decent spell during his time around Old Trafford.
He could’ve most likely been purchased by Erik ten Hag, who decided to not fork out the small fee that the German outfit wanted for the now 30-year-old.
Murphy spoke with the Daily Mail before Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Arsenal, and alongside analysing Rasmus Hojlund, spoke about how United are missing the ‘workaholic’.
“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.”
Manchester United missing midfielders this season
We have to agree. Ten Hag got rid of both Fred and Sabitzer, who provided an abundance of energy in the heart of United’s midfield.
Casemiro in particular has heavily missed the presence of a pressing midfielder, which has definitely shown in his second season in red.
The emergence of Kobbie Mainoo has softened the blow a little, but he isn’t the same profile as that of Sabitzer or Fred – who are now both more than thriving away from England.
Hopefully someone is brought in during the summer transfer window to help United’s lathargic core.
