The news that Marcel Sabitzer will be sidelined for the duration of the season has come as somewhat of a shock to Manchester United as it enters the season's last few games.
Since joining Old Trafford on loan from Bayern Munich earlier this year, the player has made a good impact. Diogo Dalot has praised him as a "machine" after he scored three goals and contributed one assist in 18 games across all competitions.
Prior to this most recent setback, there had been discussions about the 29-year-old staying in Manchester permanently. However, it is yet unclear how this absence would affect the midfielder's chances of remaining with the Red Devils beyond this season.
When it comes to the effect the former RB Leipzig player's departure would have on United, manager Erik ten Hag has now seen his midfield choices even more limited, with Donny van de Beek already out for the season and Scott McTominay having missed recent games as well.
The only other senior option in the center of the park, aside from the regular starting trio of Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen, and Casemiro, is Fred. However, the brazilian menace has recently fallen down the pecking order after starting just one league game since the 7-0 loss away to Liverpool back in early March.
The 30-year-old made just one start during that time, and it came in the team's loss to Brighton and Hove Albion earlier this month. However, the former Shakhtar Donetsk player didn't capitalize on his opportunity because, in the words of Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst, he "was not remotely influential and too often sloppy with his passes."
Ten Hag may decide to look to the youth ranks in order to find a suitable substitute for the injured Sabitzer in the first-team squad since the seasoned asset, who has been linked with a departure this summer, has had more than enough opportunity to shine.
There may not be many opportunities for young players to make an impact with only three Premier League games remaining and the FA Cup final, but the former Ajax manager may have the chance to take a closer look at the team's up-and-coming stars, such as teenage sensation Zidane Iqbal.
The three-cap Iraqi international has yet to follow up on his lone senior appearance for the club, which came in December 2021 during Ralf Rangnick's interim tenure, but the 20-year-old has undoubtedly made an impression on Ten Hag, who was reportedly taken aback by the Dutchman due to his preseason performances.
During the playmaker's summer performances, Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy observed that Iqbal "has heaps of technical quality, skill and intelligence" and that he is a player who is "not scared of making a mistake in trying to execute what he feels is the right decision."
The Manchester native has also been compared to longtime United target Frenkie de Jong by talent Jacek Kulig because he is a "progressive carrier with superb vision" and also has the qualifications to fill Sabitzer's shoes because he can play in either a central midfield position or an attack-minded creative role, like the Austrian. The £2k-per-week ace also has the skills to replace Sabitzer.
Zidane Iqbal is skilled at regaining back possession, averaging two of each of those two metrics during his three EFL Trophy appearances, just like the tenacious Sabitzer, who has averaged 1.1 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per league game this season.
That should suggest that Ten Hag should think about the academy magician as a potential replacement if he needs midfield reinforcement in the upcoming weeks.
Brentford signs new Keeper ahead of David Raya possible exit
It appears Brentford and Frank Thomas are anticipating club's goal keeper and number one, David Raya's exit in the upcoming summer transfer window following rumors that the London based club has reached agreement with Freiburg's shotstopper Mark Flekken.
According to reports, Brentford and Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken have reached an agreement, which might allow David Raya to join Premier League powerhouse Manchester United.
West London Sport reports that Thomas Frank's team is'set to finalize the signing' of a Dutch international who has developed into one of the Bundesliga's most dependable shot-stoppers at overachievers SC Freiburg.
David Raya's reluctance to extend a contract that is set to expire in just over a year has made it clear that Frank wants to bring in a new goalkeeper. Additionally, no one could accuse Brentford of being "unprepared" as the discussions for Flekken move forward.
“Everyone knows he’s a £40m-plus goalkeeper,” Frank says of Raya. “We are prepared like in any other position. There is a possibility that maybe he will leave this summer for the right price."
“If that happens then of course we need to be prepared.”
Due to the fact that Brentford signed Kevin Schade from Freiburg's Black Forest team in January, the two clubs get along well. Due to a release provision in Flekken's contract, the Bees anticipate securing a deal for a reasonable £11.5 million (Sky Germany).
“It may be that Mark leaves us,” sporting director Jochen Saier said over the weekend.
Flekken, a 29-year-old who wants to become Holland's top player before the 2024 European Championships, is not likely to sign with Brentford unless he is guaranteed a starting position in West London.
In such case, it would seem like Raya is leaving.
The Telegraph reports that Manchester United is exploring a number of goalkeeping possibilities, including the former Blackburn Rovers gloveman. Brentford is seeking $40 million. A big sum for a man who will be a free agent in the following year. Erik ten Hag, the manager of the Red Devils, is likely to be drawn to Raya because of his impressive technical skills and track record in the Premier League.
As Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp recently noted, Raya's distribution is so exceptional that at times it nearly seems as though Brentford have an extra outfield player on the field.
This season, Raya has attempted about 1,300 passes, which leads the Premier League (Fbref).
He is unquestionably more suited than the increasingly vilified David de Gea to Ten Hag's build-from-the-back strategy.
“Obviously it’s nice to hear that clubs are after you,” Raya tells the Yours, Mine, Away! podcast.
“These clubs are the biggest in the world. Every player wants to play for these clubs. I have a year left (at Brentford), and I don’t know what will happen in the summer."
“I’ve said before that I’ve had two contracts that I’ve turned down. They weren’t the offers I was looking for."
“I want to push myself to the highest level. To the Champions League, the Europa League, and to win those trophies. I want to experience that and I’m at that stage in my footballing career.”
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