Erik ten Hag confirms Marcel Sabitzer debut decision ahead of Crystal Palace clash

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed Deadline Day signing Marcel Sabitzer is in line to make his debut for the Red Devils against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

After revealing Christian Eriksen is set to miss a number of months through injury, United moved to bring Sabitzer over from Bayern Munich on a straight loan on the final day of the transfer window, striking a deal which does not include an option to buy.

With Donny van de Beek also out for the season and Scott McTominay sidelined for a few weeks through injury, Sabitzer is one of just four midfielders available to Ten Hag alongside Casemiro, Fred, and the more forward thinking Bruno Fernandes.

The Brazilian duo are expected to start in the deeper roles against Palace on Saturday but Ten Hag stressed he is prepared to hand Sabitzer his debut if necessary.

“Of course, he did only one session but you can see he’s a very fit player and I didn’t have different expectations coming from Bayern Munich, German, their fitness is always good,” Ten Hag said. “I think he is ready to play.

“I think he’s a really smart player and I think we gave him some guidance but he knows what to do, he knows the job.”

Ten Hag added that United must do better against Palace, who they recently fell to a late 1-1 draw against after Michael Olise netted a stoppage-time free-kick, and went as far to ‘demand’ a better showing.

“We know a lot [about] them, they know a lot about us, we were really unhappy with our game at Crystal Palace so I demand a much better performance than in London, so we have a good chance to win.”