Marcel Sabitzer makes Man Utd claim after transfer confirmed

Marcel Sabitzer has revealed how his brief spell at Manchester United helped to spark his career back into life.

The Austrian was one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting creative talents while at RB Leipzig, resulting in a switch to Bayern Munich in 2021. However, that transfer didn’t quite work out, and Sabitzer struggled to hold down a regular place in the side during a season and half in Bavaria.

As a result, Bayern allowed the midfielder to depart on loan to United in January, and Sabitzer made 18 appearances for the Red Devils before his season was cut short due to injury. While it was only a short spell in Manchester, Sabitzer has revealed how it had a very positive impact on his career.

The 29-year-old completed a permanent move to Borussia Dortmund this week and spoke fondly of United after being unveiled by the club.

“I remember a lot of things from my time at Manchester United. I was very impressed by the fact of having played for a club of such stature,” he told Dortmund’s website. “I had a smile every day at the thought of being there and playing.

“It's also because I had playing time [at United] that I found my rhythm and my self-confidence,” he added. “I showed good things there and that has an impact because a year and a half ago everyone doubted me. When you can prove again that you can play a part in big clubs like this, it's good for confidence.”

Sabitzer’s first game as a Dortmund player could actually come against United, when the two sides meet on Monday in Las Vegas. The fixture will be the Red Devils’ fourth and final match in the USA before they fly back to Manchester, while they end pre-season next week with back-to-back friendlies against Lens and Athletic Bilbao.