Ten Hag leading Man Utd charge for world class midfielder after brutal injury blow threatens to derail season
Man Utd have been rocked after confirming Christian Eriksen could be ruled out for over three months with an ankle injury, and a report has touted a renewed move for a high class replacement.
Eriksen, 30, has been among Manchester United’s top performers this season following his free agent arrival. The classy Dane has struck up an immediate understanding with Casemiro and that pairing has been a huge reason why United are soaring.
Indeed, they’re hunting trophies in three cup competitions and are well on their way to finishing inside the top four in the Premier League.
However, hearts were in mouths against Reading on Saturday when a reckless Andy Carroll challenge resulted in Eriksen suffering an ankle injury.
United have confirmed their worst fears today, with an official club statement noting Eriksen could miss as much as three months of action.
The statement read: “While investigations are continuing, initial assessments indicate that Eriksen is likely to be out until late April or early May.
“The 30-year-old’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, making 31 appearances since arriving at Old Trafford.
“However, there is hope that Christian can return in time to play a role in the final stages of the campaign. We all wish Christian the best of luck for a speedy recovery.”
Eriksen’s absence will be a bitter pill to swallow for Ten Hag, especially as his primary back-up options in midfield aren’t like-for-like replacements.
Fred and Scott McTominay are both waiting in the wings, though their games more closely resemble Casemiro’s than Eriksen’s. Without the Dane, United will lack a creative element in their engine room.
The blow gives United very little time to act in the market given the English transfer deadline closes at 11pm tonight. However, a remarkable late move for summer target Frenkie de Jong could apparently be explored.
Ten Hag wants Frenkie de Jong
Sky Sports pose the question: ‘Will Man Utd make late move to replace Eriksen?’ The Manchester Evening News suggest they might after reporting ‘Ten Hag has also discussed a second approach for Frenkie de Jong’.
The Dutch playmaker was United’s primary target over the summer and the Red Devils did see a bid accepted.
However, the player did not wish to leave Barcelona and a dispute over deferred salary ensured he dug his heels in.
However, the MEN note Ten Hag is ’emboldened’ by the continued financial uncertainty at the Camp Nou. What’s more, he’s reportedly been told De Jong has privately made people aware he would’ve joined Man Utd if not for the salary issue with Barca.
Of course, with less than 11 hours remaining in the current window, a deal would have to quickly take shape and as such, is unlikely to take place this month.
Nevertheless, Eriksen’s injury has ensured Man Utd may be one to watch as the hours tick down. Indeed, the Telegraph have subsequently reported United have been offered Yannick Carrasco by Atletico Madrid.
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