ERIK TEN HAG could be set for a late deadline day dip into the transfer market with Christian Eriksen out injured until at least the end of April.
The Danish midfielder limped out of Saturday evening’s 3-0 FA Cup win over Reading with an ankle injury after a clumsy challenge by Andy Carroll.
PAEriksen’s injury is a huge blow to Man United[/caption]
Now Manchester United have confirmed it is a long term problem which could even keep him out of action into the final month of the season.
And the club have reportedly been offered Atletico Madrid and Belgium star Yannick Carrasco.
Ten Hag said of Eriksen: “Of course, he’s disappointed, we are disappointed, but it happens in top football.
“On deadline day it’s difficult you can’t have a policy based on such bad injuries.”
Ten Hag admits while he has Fred in reserve he is not a like for like replacement for the creative talents of Eriksen.
He said: “I think you can never fill that gap because every player has his own characteristics, identity, another player will always fill in in a different way but it doesn’t mean you have to be less successful.
“It’s quite clear Christian Eriksen brings top quality to our squad and he has some specifics that are hard to replace, such as his impacts in the final third with his final ball.”
With Scott McTominay also out injured it does leave United short in midfield with only Casemiro and Fred as recognised players in that role as two in front of the back four.
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Ten Hag remains confident of what Fred can bring.
He said: “Fred’s playing together with Casemiro in the Brazil squad, that’s not the worse squad in there world.
“They have so many choices they can make but they play together and that tells you something about the quality Fred has and what he can contribute to the team.
“You saw against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.
“When he came on in the last game he scores a goal, he has a lot of qualities and they’re a good combination, Casemiro and Fred.”
Meanwhile, the Telegraph report that United have been offered the chance to nab Carrasco.
The 29-year-old’s representatives are believed to have been in contract with Old Trafford chiefs over a late move.
While he is a different player to Eriksen, injury to the Dane has left Man United exploring different options to boost the squad.