Lyon’s Houssem Aouar was one of several players offered to United (Pictures: Getty)

Manchester United were offered a host of players to replace Christian Eriksen before deciding on Marcel Sabitzer as the player they wanted to sign, according to reports.

The Red Devils were dealt a massive injury blow this week with Eriksen ruled out of action until the end of April at the earliest following a bad tackle from Reading’s Andy Carroll in the FA Cup.

United moved quickly to secure a short-term replacement and have agreed a loan deal with Bayern Munich for Sabitzer, who is currently flying to Manchester to complete the move.

However, Sky Sports News claim United were inundated with approaches after news of Eriksen’s injury emerged and turned down the possibility of signing four big-name players.

Perhaps the most surprising of the quartet was former Real Madrid and Sevilla playmaker Isco, who is currently a free agent.

The 30-year-old is without a club after cutting ties with Sevilla in December following a falling out with sporting director Monchi and had been in talks with Bundesliga surprise package Union Berlin – though the move collapsed on Tuesday.

Manager Oliver Ruhnert told BILD: ‘We would have liked to see Isco with us, but we have our limits. These were exceeded today, contrary to previous agreements, which is why the transfer will not take place.’

Isco was offered to United but they declined (Picture: Getty)

After the move to Union Berlin fell through, Isco’s representatives are believed to have offered his services to United – though they had little interest in a player whose form has dropped off majorly.

Another Spaniard was also put forward to United as a possible solution to their midfield issues, with Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez touted as a potential option.

The 28-year-old has only been used sparingly this season, starting just six times in La Liga, and of course spent last season on loan at Chelsea in what was a very underwhelming spell in England.

Another Atletico player, Yannick Carrasco, was also offered to United, though he did not fit the mould of player Erik ten Hag was looking for.

The United manager is keen to sign an intelligent, attacking midfielder capable of playing the same roles in the side as Eriksen has done so well, which is why Sabitzer ticked so many boxes.

The fourth player United were offered – and rejected – was Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, who is still just 24 despite years of being linked with a move to the Premier League.

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