Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has decided not to sign midfielder Marcel Sabitzer on loan on a long-term basis, according to a new report.
Sabitzer joined United in January from Bayern Munich, a temporary deal that was hastily arranged following the serious injury of Christian Eriksen.
The Austrian midfielder started his first game for United in a 2–2 draw with Leeds on 8 February and scored the first goal of a 2–1 win over Fulham in a quarter-final draw, FA Cup final more than a month later.
Sabitzer then scored a brace in United's Europa League quarter-final first leg against Sevilla.
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By then, attention has turned to the 29-year-old potentially signing a long-term contract at Old Trafford - and Sabitzer himself seems to suggest he would be happy to do so. He told Bild in April:
"I can say to myself, I have found my place here. Now I know the Premier League and I can say that there is nothing better, more intense and more difficult."
"Every match is a fight, everything goes faster. It's the best tournament in the world."
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However, the midfielder's season ended prematurely due to injury and he has not featured in any of the team's last four Premier League matches. He is also expected to miss Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City. Now United have made a decision about their future.
Sabitzer 'not staying at Man Utd'
According to the Daily Mail, Ten Hag has opted not to make permanent loan deals of Sabitzer or striker Wout Weghorst this summer.
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It is thought the Dutchman would rather invest resources in players who can improve his squad at Old Trafford than those currently at the club.
Weghorst's impending departure further signals United's ambition to sign an elite centre-forward, to ease the scoring burden on Marcus Rashford.
As for Sabitzer, he will return to Bayern Munich at the end of the season. He was on loan when Julian Nagelsmann led the Allianz Arena but the Austrian could get a second chance to impress under Thomas Tuchel.
The Manchester Evening News confirmed Sabitzer's return to Bayern is "expected" in the coming days.
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