Erik ten Hag slammed Andy Carroll for his reckless tackle on Christian Eriksen in Manchester United’s win over Reading, which has left him sidelined.

The Danish midfielder was seen leaving Old Trafford in crutches after being taken out by a dangerous tackle from Carroll during United’s 3-1 victory over the Royals in the FA Cup fourth-round tie. Eriksen is now expected “to be out until late April or early May” with an ankle injury. Although the Reading forward was eventually sent off, he faced no punishment for the challenge on Eriksen, and Ten Hag has now called on football authorities to do more to protect players.

The United boss told reporters: “I’m disappointed about that. I think football has to set limits, restrictions, that protect the players. What football wants is the best players to be available on the pitch. This is a tackle – and the two tackles after it – that don’t belong on the football pitch, because there is a high risk of injuring your colleague. So it’s worse and I’m left wondering about that.

“I’m also wondering more, when we were at Crystal Palace, when there was an elbow on Lisandro Martinez. I don’t believe there was even a whistle for a free-kick and I’m wondering about such things, because it’s a risk of injury for the player.”

Pressed on whether Carroll had deliberately hurt Eriksen, Ten Hag said: “I make my view about [that]. I think it was quite clear what my thoughts were.”

United moved quickly to sign Marcel Sabitzer from Bayern Munich on loan with no buy option to cover for the injured Eriksen on deadline day. The Austrian is an experienced performer and appeared 24 times for Bayern in the first half of the season, with Ten Hag likely to use him frequently in Eriksen’s absence.

Sabitzer will look to hit the ground running and might make his Manchester United bow against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.

Manchester United were offered five midfielders on Deadline Day – they opted for Sabitzer

Sky Sports reported that the club had also been given the chance to sign four other midfielders: Isco, Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez and Yannick Carrasco and Lyon’s Houssem Aouar.

However, Sky reported that United saw an opportunity to sign Sabitzer, who was a player they had appreciated during the summer when they were in the market for a midfielder. They decided that he was the most worthwhile option.

His quality is recognised by Manchester United Football Director John Murtough, who was happy to get the signing over the line.

“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.”

SOURCE: goal.com, givemesport.com