The current predicament faced by Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, extends beyond mere performance on the field to the challenge of assembling a consistent starting lineup for each match.
The team has been significantly hampered by a resurgence of injuries, particularly in the defensive line. This predicament has left the Dutchman without a dedicated left-back, with Luke Shaw facing a potentially season-ending absence and Tyrell Malacia still sidelined since pre-season due to injury. Additionally, Alvaro Fernandez has been deemed insufficiently prepared for the demands of top-tier competition.
In recent matches, Victor Lindelof and Sofyan Amrabat have alternated in the left-back position, albeit with notable difficulty. This issue has persisted since the beginning of the season, prompting the club’s decision to secure the loan signing of Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham Hotspur on the transfer deadline day.
Reguilon’s loan spell
The Spanish player featured in a total of 12 matches across various competitions, commencing seven of them. Despite occasional defensive vulnerabilities, his dynamic playing style endeared him to the audience.
During an interview with The Times, the ex-Real Madrid player expressed profound affection for his current club, revealing that he was moved to tears following their elimination from the Carabao Cup by Newcastle. The team, known as the Red Devils, was aiming to retain their title.
“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 brevity of his tenure, the player harbors sincere admiration for Manchester United and Manchester City, as they demonstrated faith in him following his expulsion by Tottenham Hotspur’s recently appointed manager, Ange Postecoglou.
“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.”
The termination of the loan agreement for the left-back was disclosed following confirmation that Shaw had resumed training and Malacia was on the verge of returning in January.
Nothing but love for United
It was perceived that the Spanish national player would experience a diminished frequency of opportunities, rendering it unjustifiable to retain his services and thereby deny him the opportunity for regular playing time.
“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.”
The player has recently transferred to Brentford, where he has commenced the last six matches and also secured an assist. The absence of his contribution is now keenly felt by United during this challenging phase.
In retrospect, given the England international’s history of frequent injuries, it would have been judicious to retain the Europa League champion for the entirety of the season. This decision, viewed in hindsight, constitutes yet another regrettable choice that has adversely impacted Ten Hag’s team.