MAN UTD were offered FOUR midfielders on deadline day before bringing in Marcel Sabitzer, according to reports.
The Red Devils were not expected to do any business in the final hours of the window as Erik ten Hag appeared content with his squad.
But they then suffered a huge injury blow at the weekend as Christian Eriksen was forced off in the 3-1 win over Reading.
And news of him being sidelined until April at the earliest sparked Man Utd into action with just three days left of the window.
They ended up securing their man, with Bayern Munich and Austria's Sabitzer, 28, joining on loan until the end of he season.
Marcus Rashford makes tongue-in-cheek joke after being dropped by Erik ten Hag
But according to Sky Sports News, several agents offered players to the club following Eriksen's injury.
Isco, Saul Niguez, Houssem Aouar and Yannick Carrasco were all believed to be options for United.
However, they were not interested in signing any of them.
Instead, they held out for Sabitzer and secured him just minutes before Tuesday's deadline.
Had the deal not come off, The Mail reported that Eintracht Frankfurt playmaker Daichi Kamada would have been the alternative.
BETTING SPECIAL - BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
The Japanese international, 26, is out of contract at the end of the season and United made an enquiry before the window shut.
But Sabitzer's arrival meant they did not need to explore that option any further.
Speaking upon joining United, Sabitzer said: "Sometimes in life you have to make quick and important decisions.
"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.
Erik ten Hag faces fresh Hannibal Mejbri dilemma as transfer interest emerges
"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 teammates and manager and to show my qualities to Manchester United fans."
Sabitzer joined Bayern in the summer of 2021 from RB Leipzig, but has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot.
He has made just seven league starts this season, the last of which came against Borussia Dortmund in October.
However, Eriksen's injury means Sabitzer could slot straight into the team.
Boss Ten Hag is said to be a fan of the Austrian and United considered signing him last summer.
