Tuchel could be about to make Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag’s life harder
Thomas Tuchel’s arrival at Bayern Munich could force Manchester United to rethink their plans for the summer transfer window, with strengthening their midfield already a priority. Erik ten Hag acquired Marcel Sabitzer from Bayern on loan in January, though a permanent switch may no longer be on the cards.
Sabitzer has thrived since heading to Old Trafford in January, making the deadline-day move after it became clear that Christian Eriksen would be forced to endure an extended spell on the sidelines. The Austria international has made nine appearances in all competitions since arriving at the Theatre of Dreams, opening his account for the club in the FA Cup quarter-finals against Fulham.
Ten Hag has relied on Sabitzer to provide leadership and experience in his changing room, as well as another option in the centre of the park. Suspensions and injuries have left the former Ajax boss short of quality in that department previously, though Sabitzer has since prevented both of those issues from derailing their campaign.
Another midfielder is already on the shopping list for United in the summer, but they may no longer be able to bank on signing their loanee permanently now that Tuchel has arrived at Bayern. The German boss is expected to stamp his authority at the Allianz Arena, offloading those who are deemed surplus to requirements when and implementing his tried and tested 3-4-3 in a bid to bring long-term European success back to the club.
Tuchel has often been fond of having a core group of players that he can always rely on to give their all, with the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta, Jorginho and Mason Mount amongst those deemed reliable during his spell at Stamford Bridge.
Sabitzer certainly appears to be a player that would be favoured by Tuchel for their work ethic and winning mentality, and he may now have a future in the Bundesliga – much to the disappointment of Ten Hag.
The player himself may be reluctant to return to Bayern, though, given the plaudits he has received since joining United, with his international boss Ralf Rangnick highlighting the improvement he has seen in the playmaker.
The ex-Red Devils interim manager told Laola1: “He is simply a player with a lot of quality. I think the change did him good. He is literally flourishing, is very, very good.
“He 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.”
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