Blow for Manchester United as midfielder is ruled out for the season

FOOTBALL Blow for Manchester United as midfielder is ruled out for the season

Kiplagat Sang • 20:22 - 15.05.2023

This comes as the Red Devils hope to finish the campaign on a positive note ahead of the FA Cup final in June.

Manchester United have suffered yet another injury blow following Marcel Sabitzer’s meniscus problem.

The Austrian will now not take part in any match in the remaining season, and this is a huge midfield blow for Erik ten Hag.

"Manchester United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer has suffered a meniscal injury, which will, unfortunately, rule him out for the remainder of the season," the club confirmed on Monday.

Sabitzer joined the Red Devils on loan from Bayern Munich in the January transfer window and was not available in the club’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Wolves.

In the second half of the 2022-2023 campaign, he has been a regular player under Ten Hag and has racked up 18 appearances and scored three goals.

A cheeky backheel against Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-final and a double in the Europa League last-eight first-leg clash with Sevilla mark some of his outstanding moments with United.

In his stint with the Old Trafford outfit, Sabizter has already won the Carabao Cup, featuring in the final against Newcastle United in February.

He converted one of the penalties as United defeated Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. The Red Devils will play Manchester City in the final on Saturday, June 3.

"Everyone at the club is disappointed to lose Marcel's services, as the Reds chase a strong finish to the season in the Premier League and FA Cup, and we are grateful for his contribution to our progress so far," the club added.

"We would like to wish Marcel a speedy recovery."

Despite the Sabitzer blow, Ten Hag has seen his injury worries lessen with the return of Christian Eriksen and Raphael Varane.

Eriksen is back and plays regularly, while Varane made a return during the weekend game following a recovery from an injury suffered against Sevilla.

Alejandro Garnacho had a dream return from a recent layoff when he scored the clincher against Wolves.