Manchester United’s midfield options were thinned by Donny van de Beek’s injury earlier in the month. This has put extra pressure on those available, and now additional problems are mounting up.
Christian Eriksen was injured after being clattered by Andy Carroll in Manchester United’s FA Cup win over Reading. He was substituted before the hour.
A video circulating on Twitter shows Eriksen leaving Old Trafford on crutches. While this may simply be a precaution, it does not look good.
Another injury kept Scott McTominay out of the game, Erik ten Hag revealed before kick-off.
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Double injury blow
Eriksen was only able to play 57 minutes against Reading and looked in discomfort as he left the pitch and went straight down the tunnel.
Quoted by the club website after the win, manager Erik ten Hag said: “It’s always difficult to say in this moment so short after the game has finished
“But it’s an ankle [problem]. 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.”
The manager explained before kick-off that injury had also kept Scott McTominay out of the game. This may even have impacted the decision to start Eriksen.
He told the club website, also referencing Luke Shaw: “Luke is ill and Scott has a small problem. We don’t want to take risks, so I hope they can be back on Wednesday but I’m not sure.”
United’s next match is in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg. With a 3-0 advantage this should be a formality, but there is a frenetic fixture schedule upcoming.
McTominay should be a relatively swift return although could yet miss a game or two. Eriksen’s might miss substantially more, although hopefully not.
With so many games, it is inevitable injuries will occur, it’s just particularly frustrating that they all seem to be in United’s midfield, an area where the team is light.
17-year-old Kobbie Mainoo came off the bench against Reading, while Zidane Iqbal is also in reserve if needed.
Eriksen’s injury adds more pressure on Casemiro, Fred, and Bruno Fernandes to continue to perform, and leaves no room for further problems.
Don’t be at all surprised to see United enter the transfer market before the deadline to sign a midfielder, even if just on a loan deal.
Eriksen’s injury, even if for a fortnight or a month, would be a serious blow, while McTominay’s knock also highlights a lack of players United have available for the key positions.
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