Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has slammed Reading forward Andy Carroll after the Geordie injured midfielder Christian Eriksen.

The former Newcastle United and Liverpool forward was sent off for two bookings in Saturday's 3-1 FA Cup defeat, but was not cautioned for a late challenge on the former Tottenham star.

He is now out for three months, missing crucial matches as the Red Devils look to progress in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Champions League.

Speaking ahead of their second leg semi-final against Nottingham Forest, the former Ajax head coach declared that Carroll's tackles 'don't belong on the football pitch.'

"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," he said.

"I am disappointed about that," he said of the lack of a booking. "I think football has to set limits, restrictions, that you protect the players."

Carroll will miss the Royals' Championship fixture with Watford on Saturday while serving a suspension.