Manchester United might be forced into the transfer market following Christian Eriksen's injury blow, with Atletico Madrid's Yannick Carrasco touted for a last-gasp move to Old Trafford...

What's the word?

According to The Telegraph's live deadline day feed (12:40) United manager Erik ten Hag has been 'offered the chance' to clinch the Belgian on a six-month loan deal.

This comes after news earlier today regarding the severity of the injury that Eriksen sustained against Reading in the FA Cup last weekend, with the Danish maestro ruled out for three months.

Carrasco is traditionally a wide player, and while he would not assume the same role as the stricken Red Devils playmaker, he could certainly bring dynamism in abundance to Old Trafford if director of football John Murtough can clinch a last-gasp swoop for the 29-year-old.

"Underrated"

Eriksen's injury will indeed come as a blow to Ten Hag amid his team's flourishing campaign, with the 30-year-old playing 31 matches so far this term, scoring twice and registering nine assists.

While that creativity cannot be easily replicated, Carrasco would add a dimension to the United attack and perhaps offer a cutting edge from deep to aid the Red Devils when they need that spark.

As per Sofascore, Carrasco's form has plummeted alongside that of his team, with Atletico languishing 13 points behind league leaders Barcelona. The 29-year-old has recorded a modest average rating of 6.72 for his labours, with just one goal and no assists from his 17 La Liga appearances.

Last season, however, the Belgian ace recorded an average Sofascore rating of 7.09 in La Liga, impressing with six goals and six assists, making 1.6 key passes per game and recording an 81% passing accuracy, showing his precision in possession despite having a marauding wide role.

As per FBref, the versatile dynamo - who despite traditionally being a winger can also occupy the centre of midfield - has been likened to Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne as a 'similar player' stylistically. Carrasco ranks among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe for dribbles completed and the top 5% for shot-creating actions.

His compatriot De Bruyne ranks remarkably well across a plethora of offensive metrics, featuring in the top 1% for goals and assists and the top 1% for shot-creating actions, although he does concede a direct ball-carrying prowess to his Atletico counterpart.

Hailed as underrated” by journalist Josh Bunting, Carrasco could finally earn a shot at the Premier League with Manchester United, where he could be the perfect - albeit stylistically different - replacement for the stricken Eriksen.