Why Manchester United have decided to cut short Sergio Reguilon's loan deal and what next for Tottenham star

Tottenham full-back Sergio Reguilon is returning to the club after Manchester United triggered a break clause to his loan deal. 

United signed the left-back as cover to Luke Shaw who was facing several weeks out with a thigh injury. Shaw joined backup option Tyrell Malacia on the sidelines leaving manager Erik Ten Hag with little to no choice but to dive into the transfer market. 

Why the deal has been cut short and what next

England defender Shaw is back to fitness and Malacia also nearing a return coupled with fewer upcoming games during the second half of the season due to the club’s Champions League and Carabao Cup exit mean the Spaniard will have limited opportunities to get on the pitch.

When Tottenham signed Reguilon from Real Madrid in 2020 he made an instant impact under Jose Mourinho. He's since played in 52 league games for the Lilywhites, but he spent last season out on loan at Atletico Madrid before essentially being made surplus to requirement by manager Ange Postecoglou in the summer, allowing him to join United on loan. 

He made 12 appearances for Manchester United in total before the decision was agreed to let him return to north London. Spurs have the electric Destiny Udogie at left back for most games and backup in long-serving Ben Davies who has had to slot in at centre-back following the injury to Micky van de Ven. 

Tottenham responded well to their defeat at Brighton with a 3-1 win over Bournemouth in the league over the weekend. They are fifth on the league table, a point behind Arsenal in fourth. The Lilywhites are back in action against Burnley in the FA Cup on Friday.