Man United wanted to sign Marcel Sabitzer's Bayern Munich teammate but club refused

Manchester United's deadline day loan signing Marcel Sabitzer was not the club's preferred addition from Bayern Munich.

The Red Devils were desperate to land a replacement for Christian Eriksen after United confirmed he would be sidelined until early May after suffering an injury in the FA Cup fourth round win over Reading.

They were reportedly locked in talks with PSG, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid as they scrambled over a last-minute midfielder signing.

And according to other reports, United were offered former Real Madrid star Isco and Lyon's Houssem Aouar, as well as Atletico Madrid pair Yannick Carrasco and Saul Niguez.

They settled on former RB Leipzig captain Sabitzer and got the deal done swiftly before the deadline passed. However, Sky Sports say that Sabitzer was not United's first-choice.

Journalist Melissa Reddy claims United were actually interested in his Bayern colleague Ryan Gravenberch.

The 20-year-old worked with Erik ten Hag at Ajax and signed a five-year contract with Bayern in the summer.

Gravenberch hasn't made a single start in the Bundesliga, with all 12 of his appearances coming from the bench, but Bayern did not want to let him leave.

And despite a lack of minutes and his only full games coming in the Champions League, the Netherlands international still wants to fight for his place.

That meant United shifted their attentions to Sabitzer, who was also struggling for game-time.

United also enquired about Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Daichi Kamada as an alternative. The Japan international, who has scored 12 goals this season, is out of contract in the summer.

They ultimately went with Sabitzer, who could join United permanently as the deal is said to contain an option to buy.

Welcome to United, Marcel Sabitzer 👊#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 1, 2023

"Sometimes in life you have to make quick and important decisions," Sabitzer told United's official website after becoming their third loan signing in January.

"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.

"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'm excited to start with my new team-mates and manager and to show my qualities to Manchester United fans."