Man Utd turned down four midfielders on deadline day before Marcel Sabitzer deal, including Isco

Manchester United were offered four players on deadline day before signing Marcel Sabitzer from Bayern, according to reports, including former Real Madrid midfielder Isco and Lyon's Houssem Aouar.

Erik ten Hag's side were not expected to jump into the transfer market on Tuesday. In fact, the Dutch manager said he was confident that United could cope with Christian Eriksen's absence without signings.

Eriksen, who sustained a nasty ankle injury in their FA Cup win over Reading, has since been ruled out until April or early May.

"Something coming out on deadline day is difficult and you can't make policy on such bad injuries," Ten Hag said after the game. "But we have players in the midfield department, good players, we also have players who can fill the gap."

Despite Ten Hag's courageous intentions, United were looking short on options, especially in creative areas. Eriksen has notched nine assists for the club this season, more than anybody in the squad.

So realistically, they needed someone on board to fill that gap so at ten minutes past midnight on Wednesday morning, the club announced the signing of Marcel Sabitzer from Bayern Munich on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The box-to-box midfielder, who has made 443 career club appearances across Europe during spells at Rapid Wien, RB Leipzig and Bayern, says he can contribute a lot of experience and energy to the squad.

"Sometimes in life you have to make quick and important decisions,' he told the club's official website.

"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."

Sabitzer has been heralded as a solid signing by many, but the Reds could have ended up with another midfielder after several agents offered players to the club ahead of the window slamming shut.

According to Sky Sports, the players offered to United were Yannick Carrasco, Isco, Saul Niguez and Houssem Aouar.

The Premier League side eventually decided to hold out for Sabitzer but there appeared to be plenty of potential options. A report from the Daily Mail claimed United made an enquiry to Eintracht Frankfurt about Japan international Daichi Kamada.

The 26-year old midfielder, who has scored 12 goals in all competitions for Frankfurt this season, is out of contract in the summer and could have been available on a cut-price deal.

United, however, decided to go with the experienced Sabitzer, who is delighted to have join Erik ten Hag's project.

“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," he said after signing the loan deal.

"I am excited to start with my new team-mates and manager and to show my qualities to Manchester United fans.”

United's director of football John Murtough praised the capture.

“Marcel is a player that we have watched for a long time," he said. "The opportunity arose quickly, and we knew that he was someone with the ability and character to make an impact.

"He adds further quality to our squad and experience to the dressing room, and all of us are pleased to be welcoming him to Manchester United.”