Man Utd fans demand new midfield signing after Christian Eriksen is spotted on crutches

On Jan 29, 2023

Manchester United fans are calling for their club to sign a new midfielder before Tuesday’s transfer deadline after Christian Eriksen was left on crutches.

The Danish playmaker has been one of United’s standout performers this season following his free transfer in the summer. But his absence will be sorely felt after he suffered an ankle injury during United’s 3-1 FA Cup win over Reading in Saturday’s fourth round clash.

Eriksen was seen leaving Old Trafford after the game on crutches, sparking fears he could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. His foot was covered with a protective boot and Eriksen will now undergo tests to determine the severity of his injury.

That has led United fans to ramp up calls for a replacement before the January transfer window slams shut, particularly after Donny van de Beek was ruled out for the remainder of the season after sustaining a gruesome knee injury against Bournemouth earlier this month.

Scott McTominay is also being assessed due to a minor problem ahead of the Carabao Cup second leg with Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, as United’s options begin to look slim. Casemiro has been in exceptional form, while Fred is an able deputy, though Erik ten Hag has few other alternatives.

Lisandro Martinez can operate in midfield, though Ten Hag would be keen to avoid taking him out of his defence, while youngster Zidane Iqbal has barely featured this season and Kobbie Mainoo only made his debut in the first leg just over a fortnight ago.

United appear to be waiting until the summer to invest in any new signings after an outlay of more than £230m last summer, while The Glazers remain in talks over a potential sale. But fans feel the club needs to act now amid their pursuit of a top four finish.

Vocal United fan Mark Goldbridge said on Twitter: “We’ve lost Van De Beek for the season & Eriksen is on crutches. Sale or not any football club would be bringing in a midfielder now. It’s jeopardising all Ten Hag’s work to do nothing.”

Others agreed, with one writing: “VDB season, Eriksen on crutches and in 4 comps playing a record amount of games in Feb. Any remotely reputable club would be signing one. This club probably won’t.”

HAVE YOUR SAY: Who could United sign this month to pad their midfield? Let us know in the comments below.

Donny van de Beek has already been ruled out for the season
(Image: Dave Thompson/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Some were optimistic a new man would be coming through the door, with one insisting: “Eriksen’s injury means a new signing is 100%. VDB is already lost.”

But others were more pessimistic, with one fan stating: “Arsenal signing [Moses] Caicedo, Chelsea signing Enzo [Fernandez], Man Utd with Donny out for the season and Eriksen on crutches signing…f****** no one. Unbelievable ambition.”