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Erik ten Hag has urged football authorities to stamp out the type of reckless tackle that left Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen sidelined for three months.
Christian Eriksen suffered an ankle injury when he was caught by an ugly challenge from Reading striker Andy Carroll during United's FA Cup fourth round win on Saturday.
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The 30-year-old Denmark star had played a vital role for United in his first season at the club, making 31 appearances in all competitions.
Ten Hag condemns Carroll tackle
But now United say Eriksen will be out until "late April or early May", hampering Ten Hag's hopes of a successful end to the season.
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Carroll avoided a booking for the tackle in the second half, but the former Liverpool player still ended up being sent off after bookings for fouls on Tyrell Malacia and Casemiro.
"I am disappointed about that," Ten Hag said of the lack of a booking for Carroll's challenge. "I think football has to set limits, restrictions, that you protect the players.
"I think what football wants is the best players being available on the pitch.
"This tackle and the two tackles after, they don't belong on the football pitch because it's a high risk to injure your colleague, so I think it's worse. So, I am wondering about that."
Next up for United
The Red Devils hold a 3-0 lead over Forest from the first leg but the League Cup is not their only priority.
Qualifying for the Champions League via a top four finish in the Premier League is the main aim and Eriksen's absence will be a huge blow as he has quietly controlled the United midfield and helped set the tempo.
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