Manchester United confirm Sergio Reguilon return to Tottenham

Sergio Reguilon has returned to Tottenham after Manchester United activated a break clause in the loan agreement.

Reguilon joined United on transfer deadline day after injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, but a break clause was inserted into the deal and the defender has now officially returned to his parent club.

Sources at United insisted they always regarded Reguilon as a short-term signing until the January transfer window amid Malacia's expected return following further knee surgery. Malacia is closing in on a return to action, hence the decision to send Reguilon back to Tottenham.

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The end of Reguilon's loan also allows the club to sign other players on temporary deals in January. Premier League rules state clubs may not register more than two players on loan at any one time from other sides in the division.

United manager Erik ten Hag has also preferred right-back Diogo Dalot over Reguilon at left-back on five occasions this season. Reguilon started seven times for United and they lost four and won three.

Shaw is considered the first-choice left-back and he's back to full fitness despite recent omissions from the squad against Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest due to a minor injury.

Malacia will deputise for Shaw when he returns, but United are out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup, which means only fixtures in the FA Cup and Premier League lie ahead.

Regulion leaves having made 12 appearances for United in total, the last of which saw him come off the bench late on in the defeat to Forest at the City Ground on Saturday.