Manchester United star Christian Eriksen limped out of their 3-1 FA Cup victory over Reading on Saturday night.
Manchester United are now two midfielders short in the wake of Christian Eriksen’s injury against Reading on Saturday night. The Red Devils are already having to make do without Donny van de Beek, who is sidelined until the end of the campaign. And with the transfer window open, and Erik ten Hag needing somebody to fill the void, Isco could be an interesting proposition…
Manchester United signed Eriksen back in the summer, with the midfielder arriving from Brentford.
And he’s been in impressive form in the time since, with the Denmark international registering nine assists across all competitions.
United were dealt a blow on Saturday night, however, when the midfielder was forced out of the victory over Reading.
Eriksen is now set for a scan as the Red Devils look to see the results so they can determine the true extent of the damage.
And Ten Hag was coy after the game when quizzed on the matter, with the 52-year-old saying: “It’s always difficult to say in this moment so short after the game has finished.
Man Utd are sweating on the fitness of Christian Eriksen after Reading FA Cup win (Image: GETTY)
“But it’s an ankle [injury]. We have to see what is the diagnosis, so it costs us a minimum of 24 hours before we know that and then I can say more.”
United have faced calls to pursue Youri Tielemans of Leicester, especially given his contractual situation.
The Belgium international has just six months left on his deal at the King Power Stadium, with all signs pointing to a departure as a free agent come the summer.
However, Isco would be an intriguing proposition for United to consider instead.
They were keen on the player back in the summer transfer window of 2013, only for Real Madrid to win the race for his signature instead.
And Isco would proceed to be a huge asset at the Bernabeu, helping Los Blancos win five Champions League titles.
At the end of last season, the 30-year-old decided to leave and pursue a new challenge at Sevilla.
But Isco then had his contract at the club terminated last month, a move that rendered him a free agent in the process.
Admittedly, his stock has fallen in recent years.
Yet Isco would be a shrewd addition for United if they can get him back to his Real Madrid best.
Man Utd saw Christian Eriksen pick up an injury in Reading FA Cup win (Image: GETTY)
The Red Devils certainly require a creative reinforcement, particularly if Eriksen is ruled out for the foreseeable future.
Fred has his uses but has never achieved consistency throughout his time at Old Trafford, after nearly half a decade with the club.
The same can be said for Scott McTominay, too.
And though United have the option to recall Hannibal Mejbri, there’s a sense they’d prefer the 20-year-old to see out the season at Birmingham instead.
Speaking before the victory over Reading, meanwhile, Ten Hag called on United to ‘go for it’ should the right opportunity arise.
Man Utd would be wise to consider Isco transfer deal (Image: GETTY)
“In the coming days, should we have an opportunity, I would go for it but it’s not only up to me,” he said.
“I think that always has to be the approach at this club.
“Every day you have to get better so if there are opportunities to get better then you have to strike, that’s my approach.
“I’m looking, doing research, I have an idea and have profiles to strengthen the squad.”
Marcus Rashford verdict should make Manchester United’s Jude Bellingham decision for them
Man United have refused to rule out the prospect of making a fresh attempt to sign Jude Bellingham in the summer.
Marcus Rashford is a huge fan of England teammate Jude Bellingham (left). (Image: Markus Gilliar – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images.)
Manchester United may well be looking to throw their name into the ring when it comes to the battle to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham this summer.
The England international, who scored one goal at the World Cup in Qatar at the end of last year, is widely expected to leave Dortmund at the end of this season and is already being linked with a plethora of big-name clubs across Europe. He has gone from strength to strength since joining the German heavyweights from Birmingham City in 2020 and is one of the most exciting prospects in the world.
As was the case with Erling Haaland last summer, Dortmund already know that they are going to struggle to keep hold of the 19-year-old and are no doubt already bracing themselves for a wave of offers. The likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid have been installed as the front runners to secure the youngster’s signature, but the Reds are refusing to give up on bringing him to Old Trafford.
United want to add a younger and more dynamic central-midfielder to their ranks this summer and, as reported by the Manchester Evening News last month, have refused to rule out the prospect of making a fresh attempt to bring Bellingham to the club. The youngster visited Carrington back in March 2020 with his family and was given a tour of the club’s training ground, as the Reds attempted to win the race for his signature, just months ahead of him choosing Dortmund as the next step in his career.
It is understood that Reds manager Erik ten Hag has told confidants that if he could sign any player in the world it would be Bellingham, highlighting just how much he rates him. He has all of the qualities you could wish for in a modern-day midfielder and his potential is sky-high.
The midfield ace, who has scored ten goals for Dortmund so far this season, was exceptional for England in Qatar, playing a central role in their run to the last-eight of the competition. He dominated games and made a strong impression on manager Gareth Southgate and several of his teammates, including United ace Marcus Rashford.
The Reds forward, who scored three goals himself in Qatar, waxed lyrical about his fellow countryman following England’s 3-0 win over Wales in their final group game. Though Rashford scooped the Man of the Match award that night, as a result of scoring twice, he felt Bellingham was another worthy contender.
Hailing his performance, Rashford said: “For me, he’s an unbelievable player. I think in two to three years, there won’t be any debate about who the best midfielder in the world is.
“He can do everything on the football pitch. I think his running ability is just ridiculous; he can outrun anyone he plays against. He gets in the box, scores goals, defends, everything.”
Having delivered such a glowing assessment of his quality and potential, there is no doubt that Rashford would love to be joined by Bellingham at Old Trafford in the summer. United have been monitoring the midfielder’s development over the last few years and remain determined to sign him.
Though it is recognised that they are not at the very front of the queue to secure his signature, they are determined to be in the conversation. He is earning significant praise and plaudits from everyone who watches him and everyone he plays with, meaning they should do all they can, even if not successful, to try and bring him to M16.
Source: express.co.uk; manchestereveningnews.co.uk
