Manchester United’s quest for a top-four spot has suffered a major blow as midfielder Christian Eriksen has been ruled out for three months.
The 30-year-old suffered the brutal injury during United’s 3-1 home win against Reading in the FA Cup fourth round.
Eriksen was forced off in the second half after Reading forward, Andy Carroll, tackled him from behind.
Christian Eriksen is ruled out for three months after being forced off against Reading
Erik Ten Hag will be thinking about potentially changing his system following the injury
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Later, the midfielder was seen leaving Old Trafford in crutches, with scans revealing that he is set for a hefty spell on the sidelines.
United are hoping that Eriksen could play again before the end of the season and his return is likely to come in late April or early May if rehabilitation goes to plan.
Amid the recent injury blow, manager Erik Ten Hag will be assessing his options heading into the crucial months of the season.
Who could Ten Hag play instead?
With Eriksen being ruled out for three months, manager Erik Ten Hag will already be thinking about who he could start instead of the Danish midfielder.
The midfielder has been instrumental in United’s campaign this season, featuring in 19 league games so far this season.
After netting the third against Reading, Fred could earn himself a recall to the starting eleven
He has also featured heavily in United’s cup games, playing in all six of their Europa League games and has made four appearances in the Carabao Cup.
In terms of how United line up, the side tend to play a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Eriksen operating in the two with Casemiro.
Going forward, it looks as if the club will likely stick in Brazilian midfielder, Fred. Furthermore, Ten Hag also has Scott McTominay to come into the starting eleven.
Could it lead to a change in formation?
So far this season United have been used to playing 4-2-3-1. Ten Hag has been used to this system throughout his managerial career.
Therefore, it is unlikely that he will change formation ahead of United’s upcoming games.
The Denmark midfielder has been crucial to United’s success so far this season
However, should the manager opt to mix his formation up, he may decided to revert to a midfield three and potentially drop Bruno Fernandes with Casemiro and McTominay.
Ten Hag enjoyed a lot of success with the 4-2-3-1 formation during his time at Ajax. With that being said, there were times where he would change to a 4-3-3. With Ten Hag versatile in his approach, he could change system, however, United have enjoyed a lot of success with 4-2-3-1 this season and it is unlikely that he will change it up at this point in the season.
What games will he miss?
With the season just passing the halfway mark, games are coming thick and fast.
It is fair to say that the midfielder will miss crucial games as the midfielder recovers from his brutal injury.
In total, Eriksen could miss up to 18 games if he is ruled out until the end of April.
Eriksen could be out until early May following the results of the recent scan
The full games Eriksen could miss are-
Carabao Cup-
- Nottingham Forest (H)
Premier League-
- Crystal Palace (H)
- Leeds United (H)
- Leeds United (A)
- Leicester City (H)
- Brentford (H)
- West Ham (H)
- Liverpool (A)
- Southampton (H)
- Brighton (A)
- Newcastle United (A)
- Everton (H)
- Chelsea (H)
- Tottenham Hotspur (A)
- Aston Villa (H)
Europa League-
- Barcelona (A)
- Barcelona (H)
What’s been said on Eriksen’s injury?
Following the results of the scan, United released a statement saying: ‘Christian Eriksen is expected to be out of action for an extended period because of an ankle injury sustained in our FA Cup victory over Reading on Saturday.
‘Our Danish midfielder was withdrawn in the second half of the 3-1 win after being caught by a tackle from Reading striker Andy Carroll.
Ten Hag’s first game without Eriksen will be against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup
‘While investigations are continuing, initial assessments indicate that Eriksen is likely to be out until late April or early May.
‘Eriksen’s absence will be a big disappointment to manager Erik ten Hag and fans given the consistency of his performances throughout the season so far.
‘However, there is hope that Christian can return in time to play a role in the final stages of the season. We all wish Christian the best of luck for a speedy recovery!’
Could Manchester United make a late move for a midfielder?
With the transfer window due to close today, United have until 11pm to sign a replacement for Eriksen.
Bayern Munich’s Marcel Sabitzer has been linked with a shock late move to United
The club have been linked with a late move for Bayern Munich’s Marcel Sabitzer, with the club keen on the move.
Sabitzer has found himself out of favour this season and has not started a game since their 2-0 Champions League win against Inter Milan in November.