Aheed Abrar
Erik ten Hag did not want to take injury risk with Manchester United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed that he withdrew Marcel Sabitzer from the starting lineup against Nottingham Forest due to an injury risk.
The Austria international was set to feature for the Red Devils on their visit to the City Ground on Sunday (16 April). Unfortunately, the 29-year-old picked up a knock during the warm-ups and was subsequently replaced by Christian Eriksen in the team.
Speaking to MUTV via Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag admitted Sabitzer had an issue before kickoff. As a result, the gaffer was not willing to have another player on the sidelines for a longer period with an already extensive list of absentees.
“He had a problem in the warm-up. We didn’t take the risk because we already have some injuries, so we have to find out tomorrow [Monday]. Hopefully it’s not a big injury. We chose not to go into the game with risk.
“[That’s because] you have either have to take him off really quick and we might make the injury worse.”
Thankfully, United managed to get past Steve Cooper’s team with a 2-0 victory. The win has given us three important three points in the race for the top four, taking us into third place.
Antony broke the deadlock for the Old Trafford side in the 32nd minute. The Red Devils were dominant for most of the match and created a number of opportunities.
Then, in the 76th minute, the former Ajax winger set up Diogo Dalot, who secured the win for us. The Portugal international had to play as a left-back with Tyrell Malacia out.
Sabitzer signed for United in the previous transfer window on loan from Bayern Munich until the end of the season. The Austrian was a key player for us when other players were on the sidelines.
In recent weeks, the 29-year-old had thrived playing in the number 10 position, with Bruno Fernandes in a deeper role. Thankfully, Eriksen has returned to full fitness.
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Sabitzer’s absence was not felt against Forest. However, the Old Trafford side have been unlucky with injuries as of late. So hopefully, the Austrian will not be out for long.
