Erik ten Hag reveals Marcel Sabitzer debut decision ahead of Crystal Palace game

• Erik ten Hag confirms Marcel Sabitzer debut decision ahead of Crystal Palace clash.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Marcel Sabitzer will likely play against Crystal Palace on Saturday after joining the club on deadline day.

On the last day of the transfer window, after it was revealed that Christian Eriksen would be sidelined for a number of months due to injury, United moved to sign Sabitzer from Bayern Munich for a direct loan without an option to buy.

Sabitzer is one of just four midfielders available to Ten Hag alongside Casemiro, Fred, and the more forward-thinking Bruno Fernandes due to the season-long absences of Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay.

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The Brazilian duo are expected to start in the deeper roles against Palace on Saturday but Ten Hag stressed he is prepared to hand Sabitzer his debut if necessary.

“Of course, he did only one session but you can see he’s a very fit player and I didn’t have different expectations coming from Bayern Munich, German, their fitness is always good,” Ten Hag said. “I think he is ready to play.

“I think he’s a really smart player and I think we gave him some guidance but he knows what to do, he knows the job.”

Ten Hag added that United must do better against Palace, who they recently fell to a late 1-1 draw against after Michael Olise netted a stoppage-time free-kick, and went as far to ‘demand’ a better showing.

“We know a lot [about] them, they know a lot about us, we were really unhappy with our game at Crystal Palace so I demand a much better performance than in London, so we have a good chance to win.”