Marcel Sabitzer once had a trial so bad that his agent 'had to apologise' for his performance.
At ten minutes past midnight on Wednesday morning, Manchester United announced the signing of Sabitzer from Bayern Munich on a loan deal until the end of the season.
The box-to-box midfielder, who has made 443 club appearances during spells at Rapid Wien, RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg and Bayern, is likely to take Christian Eriksen's place in a pivot next to Casemiro.
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He has been heralded by many United fans as a solid capture – and rightly so after impressing in Europe for so many years. But his career didn't exactly get off to the best of starts.
After impressing at youth level for local side Grazer AK, Austrian-born midfielder Sabitzer attended a trial at Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in 2008.
The German club wanted to take a closer look at his undeniable ability but unfortunately, Sabitzer didn't live up to expectations during the session.
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In fact, Bayern's head of youth Werner Kern said the trial went so badly that his agent was forced to apologise.
Speaking to German publication TZ in 2021, Kern said: “He trained as badly as I have ever experienced. That was a disappointment — even his agent apologised to me at the time.
“His performance was not due to his ability. We have nothing to reproach ourselves for. After all, we scouted him. But if someone presents himself like that, you can’t take him.”
Kern may have been disappointed with Sabitzer's performance that day, but he knew the Austrian had serious potential.
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“I have followed Marcel’s path closely,” he added.
"He has become a first-class Bundesliga player, has also matured into a leading figure in the national team. A great development! He got the best out of it for himself. Years later, what belongs together has now come together.”
Now, 14 years on from that trial at Bayern, the experienced midfielder says he can contribute a lot of experience and energy to Erik ten Hag's squad in the coming months.
“Sometimes in life you have to make quick and important decisions," Sabitzer told Manchester United's official website.
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"From the moment I heard about this opportunity I knew it was right for me. I am a competitive player; I want to win and help the club achieve its aims this season."
He added: “I feel that I am at my peak as a player, and that I can contribute a lot of experience and energy to the squad. I am excited to start with my new team-mates and manager and to show my qualities to Manchester United fans.”
Sabitzer is expected to be in the Old Trafford stands on Wednesday night when Manchester United take on Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup.
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Thoughts on the signing?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Bayern Munich, Nottingham Forest, EFL Cup
