Christian Eriksen left Old Trafford on crutches after horrendous tackle Andy Carroll wasn't punished for
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Christian Eriksen left Old Trafford on crutches on Saturday evening following Manchester United's 3-1 win over Reading in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Eriksen started the game in midfield but was substituted in the 57th minute after being on the receiving end of a nasty tackle from Reading striker Andy Carroll.
The Denmark international received the ball in the centre circle and attempted to turn as Carroll went through the back of him in a scissoring motion.
Despite the challenge looking a firm one, referee Darren England didn't deem it enough to hand the forward a yellow card. Carroll was booked twice and sent off later in the game for tackles on Tyrell Malacia and Casemiro.
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Eriksen has been a key player for the Red Devils since arriving on a free transfer over the summer. The 30-year-old has already featured 30 times in all competitions, scoring twice and registering nine assists.
United manager Erik ten Hag believes Eriksen's confidence on the ball makes his side more comfortable in possession. Under previous bosses, United's midfielders were more suited to chasing down the opposition.
Ten Hag confirmed Eriksen had suffered an ankle injury, with the severity to be determined after scans over the next few days.
When asked about the injury in his post-match press conference, Ten Hag replied: "It’s always difficult to say in this moment so short after the game has finished. But it’s an ankle [injury].
"We have to see what is the diagnosis, so it costs us a minimum of 24 hours before we know that and then I can say more."
United's midfield issues are starting to mount. They were without Scott McTominay against Reading due to illness, while Donny van de Beek is out for the rest of the season.
Despite a congested fixture list, Ten Hag fielded a strong side against Reading which managed to get the job done. Casemiro put the hosts ahead nine minutes into the second half with a dink over goalkeeper Joe Lumley.
He grabbed his second of the game four minutes later via a long-range effort, which sent the Stretford End into a frenzy.
Fred added a third a minute after Carroll's dismissal to wrap the game up for United. They were denied a clean sheet though, as Amadou Salif Mbengue headed home from a corner.
It didn't impact the result, although United goalkeeper David de Gea was visibly furious to be beaten on a set piece.
United return to action against Nottingham Forest in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday evening.
They go into the game with a 3-0 lead on aggregate thanks to a dominant showing at the City Ground.
Featured Image Credit: @xiw4n/Twitter & ITV Sport
Topics: Christian Eriksen, Manchester United, Andy Carroll, Reading, FA Cup
