Man Utd activated ’emergency protocol’ to seal Marcel Sabitzer loan transfer after being offered ten midfielders

MANCHESTER UNITED were reportedly forced to activate an “emergency protocol” to sign Marcel Sabitzer.

That’s after Erik ten Hag was offered TEN midfielders on transfer deadline day.

United pounced late in the window to wrap up a loan deal for Bayern Munich star Sabitzer.

The Red Devils announced earlier in the day that Christian Eriksen was out injured for around three months.

And claims it was all hands to the pump as United’s top chiefs got involved in talks with Bayern.

Football director John Murtough, his deputy Andy O’Boyle, director of data science Dominic Jordan and head of recruitment Steve Brown were all needed to get a deal over the line.

And the “emergency protocol” paid off as United submitted the paperwork to sign Sabitzer before the 11pm deadline.

However, Ten Hag was first presented with his choice of 10 midfielders by United’s footy boffins.

The players were all deemed “fit, available and worth investing in”, giving Ten Hag a headache the day before the deadline.

But it was Sabitzer who the Dutchman eventually plumped for.

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And Ten Hag revealed his delight at getting a loan deal completed once the transfer was confirmed.

He said: “We’re really happy with the transfer because we need it.

“To bring a quality player in on deadline day, that is difficult, but we got this opportunity.”

Director Murtough added: “Marcel is a player that we have watched for a long time.

“The opportunity arose quickly and we knew that he was someone with the ability and character to make an impact.

“He adds further quality to our squad and experience to the dressing room, and all of us are pleased to be welcoming him to United.”