Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, is facing a tough challenge both on and off the pitch. He has to deal with poor results and a lack of consistent options for his starting line-up.
His defence has been hit hard by injuries, especially on the left side. He does not have any fit left-backs at his disposal.
Luke Shaw might miss the rest of the season, while Tyrell Malacia has been sidelined since pre-season with an injury. Alvaro Fernandez was not considered ready for the first team.
In recent matches, Victor Lindelof and Sofyan Amrabat have been filling in at left-back, but they have not been convincing.
The club tried to solve this problem at the beginning of the season by signing Sergio Reguilon on loan from Tottenham Hotspur on the last day of the transfer window.
Reguilon’s loan spell
He played 12 times in different tournaments and started seven of those games. Sometimes he was not very good at defending, but the fans liked his energetic style.
He told The Times that he loved his new club so much that he shed tears when they lost to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. They were the champions of that cup.
“We were defending the title and we were out. I don’t care if I am here for six months, I was upset. I don’t know how long I was crying like a kid.
“Bruno [Fernandes] comes to tell me to relax and I still have the same sh-t face. It’s good and it’s bad. Maybe I am too passionate, too emotional in some moments but I can’t control.”
Despite the short stint, the player has nothing but love for the Manchester giants because they trusted him when Spurs’ new boss Ange Postecoglou had kicked him out.
“When one window closes, another door opens. Karma was good for me. I went to United. The people there are unbelievable. I don’t know why but I still receive a lot of messages.
“I love them because from the first moment they gave me so much love. Maybe the way I play, always giving everything, and they love that.”
He explained that his loan ended in January because Shaw had resumed training and Malacia was close to recovery.
The love for United
The club believed that the Spanish player would have fewer opportunities to play, so it was better to let him go and allow him to pursue his career elsewhere.
“You can’t control this. I told the manager thanks for everything. When I remember Manchester it will be with a smile on my face. I hope they can win the FA Cup. I still support them. It was a difficult moment in my life and they gave me the love.”
After leaving United, he joined Brentford and has been in the starting lineup for the last six games, earning an assist as well. United could have really used him during this tough time.
Looking back, given the England international’s frequent injuries, keeping the Europa League winner for the season would have been a wiser choice. Another bad decision that has haunted Ten Hag.