Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag was left angered by Andy Carroll’s tackle on Chrsitain Eriksen in Reading’s FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford.
Carroll was sent off for two bookable offences against United in the 3-1 loss, but did not get booked for a poorly timed challenge on Eriksen, which has left the United midfielder with an injury which will keep him out for three months.
“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.”
Carroll was eventually dismissed after another late tackle saw him take down Casemiro just five minutes after his first yellow card.
However, Ten Hag was left wondering why he didn’t receive a card earlier in the tie.
He continued: “I am disappointed about that (lack of booking).
“I think football has to set limits, restrictions that you protect the players.”
The Royals will be without Carroll for their Championship match with Watford on Saturday as he misses out with a one match suspension.