Man Utd explain Sergio Reguilon transfer decision as on-loan defender returns to Tottenham

Manchester United have confirmed Sergio Reguilon has returned to his parent club Tottenham Hotspur.

The defender joined United signed on loan during last summer’s transfer deadline day and went on to make 12 appearances for the club. Reguilon was brought in as a short-term solution with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia facing long-term injuries, but with Shaw since returning and Malacia expected to be back this month, there is no longer a need for the on-loan replacement, the club explained.

“With fewer games in the second half of the season and injured players returning, there will be less opportunity for Sergio to play,” United said via their website. “It was decided it was in the best interests of all parties for Reguilon to return to Spurs. The 27-year-old defender leaves United with our appreciation for his contribution and best wishes for the future.”

With Diogo Dalot also preferred at left-back on several occasions, including in the last two games, Reguilon could have been fourth choice on the left-hand side of defence had he remained at Old Trafford.

The Spaniard spent last season on loan at Atletico Madrid and it remains to be seen whether he can force his way back into Ange Postecoglou’s plans at Spurs.

Reguilon is the second player to depart from Erik ten Hag’s senior squad in January, with Donny van de Beek joining Eintracht Frankfurt on loan earlier this week. Jadon Sancho is also expected to complete a short-term move back Borussia Dortmund in the coming days, while Charlie McNeill has returned from his loan spell at Stevenage, in what has been a busy start to the mid-season window for United.