Sergio Reguilon breaks silence on Man Utd loan spell following early Tottenham return

Sergio Reguilon admits it was a 'privilege' to play for Manchester United after the defender's loan spell at the club was cut short earlier this week.

United confirmed on Wednesday that Reguilon had returned to parent club Tottenham. The left-back originally joined on a season-long loan on deadline day but both clubs agreed to insert a break clause, which has now been activated.

In a statement released on Wednesday, United explained that their decision to send Reguilon back to Tottenham came with Luke Shaw back fit, Tyrell Malacia closing in on a return and Diogo Dalot able to provide cover on the left as well. They also cited the calmer fixture schedule after elimination from the Champions League and Carabao Cup.

Alongside several pictures from his four-month spell at Old Trafford posted on Instagram, Reguilon wrote: "It has been great to play for Manchester United and I just want to say thank you to the club, the fans and my teammates.

"It was a privilege to play for this huge club. I wish all the best for the Red Devils."

Having arrived as late cover for the injured duo Shaw and Malacia, Reguilon made 12 appearances for the Reds in all competitions. But the 27-year-old had started just one game since mid-November and natural right-back Dalot was often preferred.

Shaw has missed United's last two matches but his injury is not thought to be serious. Malacia is close to returning from a knee injury that has kept him out all season.

United currently have just two matches scheduled for January, having seen their Premier League trip to Wolves moved back a day to February 1. the FA Cup fourth round is pencilled in for the weekend of January 27/28, should Ten Hag's side beat League One outfit Wigan Athletic in the third round on Monday.