Manchester United have decided to terminate Sergio Reguilon’s loan deal, according to The Athletic reporter David Ornstein.
The Spanish left-back is set to return to Tottenham Hotspur after United triggered a break clause in his loan contract, cutting short his temporary stint at Old Trafford.
United landed Reguilon’s signature on a season-long loan following injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
The defensive injury crisis left United without a recognised left-back option, forcing Erik ten Hag to deploy Diogo Dalot in the role.
While the Portugal international provided adequate cover, United were desperate to land a recognised left-back and had several names on their wishlist during the summer transfer window.
Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella was top of the shortlist, but a deal failed to materialise, opening the door for Reguilon’s swoop with Spurs more than willing to cut the Spaniard loose.
The 27-year-old made 12 appearances across all competitions for United, creating one big chance in the Premier League while winning 54% of his total duels.
United have now decided to call time on his Old Trafford adventure, with Shaw back to fitness and Malacia nearing a return to action.
United could be made to rue this decision
Considering Shaw is injury-prone and there are no guarantees Malacia will deliver the goods consistently, releasing Reguilon may turn out to be yet another poor decision in United’s archive.
Shaw spent the early part of the season sidelined with a muscle injury but recently returned before missing the last two games with a minor niggle.
Sofyan Amrabat has also occasionally been deployed at left-back, but it hasn’t worked out for obvious reasons.
Sanctioning Reguilon’s departure leaves just Dalot and Aaron Wan Bissaka, who has also endured a fair share of injury problems this season, as United’s full-back options.
There’s still a long way to go this season. Depleting an already weakened squad in dire need of reinforcement isn’t the best idea, given United will need all the help they can get to rescue a disappointing campaign.
