Manchester United could keep Marcel Sabitzer beyond his loan spell

Marcel Sabitzer could stay at Manchester United beyond this June when his loan deal expires, according to ESPN.

The Austrian midfielder joined Man Utd in January until the end of the season following the news Christian Eriksen would be out of action for three months.

Sabitzer was struggling for game time at Bayern Munich, leading him to seek a move away from the Allianz Arena.

United did not put an option or obligation to buy clause in the transfer deal to sign Sabitzer, and he is due to return to Germany at the end of the season.

Despite the lack of a purchase clause, United are confident of securing Sabitzer’s services if his performances are good enough.

They are reportedly ready to give him a long-term contract if he matches their expectations.

Earning a United contract would be the best outcome for Sabitzer, with many players ahead of him for a spot in Bayern’s first team.

Bayern head coach Julian Nagelsmann uses Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka as his first-choice midfield pairing.

Ryan Gravenberch is back up to the pair, while the club will add Konrad Laimer from RB Leipzig this summer.

Bayern are in the market for another holding midfielder to compete with Kimmich. They have been scouring the market since letting go of Marc Roca.

Sabitzer will hope he can deliver his best form for United to secure a stay in England. He can play midfield or wide on the right, offering the club some versatility.

The Austrian international impressed on his debut against Crystal Palace before struggling a little against Leeds United.

Man United face Leeds again on Sunday. They will hope to continue the momentum they have accrued under coach Erik Ten Hag and Sabitzer will likely feature at Elland Road.