Andy Cole faces the threat of legal action over his challenge on one of Australia's most promising players.
Australian club Carlton are to seek compensation after the Manchester United striker was accused of "destroying" the career of Simon Colosimo.
However, Cole insists he did nothing wrong and that he did not intend to injure the left-back.
The Melbourne-based side claim Colosimo will be out for up to six months because of Cole's challenge during the first half of United's 1-0 tour win against Australia in Sydney.
A scan has revealed that Colosimo has suffered lateral ligament and cartilage damage and that his left knee will require total reconstruction.
The 20-year-old, who is a member of Australia's Olympic team, has had trials with Bayern Munich and Panathinaikos and had been tipped for a switch to Germany.
Now his move is on hold and Carlton manager Lou Sticca is furious. "We are looking at all avenues for compensation," he said. "He was scheduled to go to Europe in the next couple of weeks and now this happens.
"The tackle from a seasoned professional like Andy Cole was totally reckless, he has destroyed the career of one of the brightest young prospects in Australian soccer and I hope he can live with that."
Sticca would not say who would be targeted in the compensation claim, but the club could take legal action against Cole, United, Soccer Australia or tour promoters Rivkin Entertainment.
Cole was not punished by the referee over the challenge and he maintains he is innocent.
"I have not spoken to Colosimo and why should I because I went for the ball?" he said in the Manchester Evening News.
"I don't feel I have done any wrong and I haven't a malicious bone in my body. I'm disappointed for him that this should happen."
Jaap Stam jumped to the defence of his team-mate and he said: "We're all upset for Simon, but Andy would not have done anything nasty on purpose. He's not that kind of person."
A spokeswoman for United did not wish to be drawn on the matter and would only say: "We've not heard anything."
Australia coach Raul Blanco was left fuming by Cole's challenge, which he branded as "vicious."
He said: "What's upsetting is that it was such an unnecessary challenge, it was stupid, you knew as soon as he went down that he was badly hurt.
"He's had his career placed on hold due to an unnecessary and vicious tackle. The knee is very swollen and the outlook does not look good for Simon."
United left Australia yesterday for Shanghai, where they are due to play Shenhua tomorrow, before their final tour match against South China in Hong Kong on Saturday.
