Manchester United’s HUGE January error may cost them Champions League football

Manchester United made a huge mistake during the January transfer window, which could cost them Champions League football next season.

Manchester United‘s January transfer window, as many expected, saw multiple outgoing either as loans or permanent transfers.

Those such as Facundo Pellsitri, Hannibal Mejbri, and Jadon Sancho all secured temporary moves away, while Isak Hansen-Aarøen made a permanent switch to Bundesliga club Werder Bremen following a lack of first-team opportunities under Erik ten Hag.

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United’s other move in the summer was to terminate the loan deal of Sergio Reguilón, who was drafted in from Tottenham Hotspurs at the end of the 2023 summer transfer window.

Reguilón was brought in following long-term injuries to both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia; however, once Shaw returned from injury and Diogo Dalot showed he could play in the position as well, the January break clause in his contract was activated.

Fast forward another month and Diogo Dalot is suddenly United’s only fit full-back in the first-team squad.

Shaw has suffered an injury that could keep him out for the season, there is no return date set for Malacia following multiple knee operations, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka is out for potentially up to another four weeks.

United should have never got rid of Reguilón. With the club’s main aim now set on grabbing Champions League football by finishing in the top four of the Premier League table, having no fit left-back in their squad may be the key that prevents Ten Hag’s team from achieving that goal.

United have been poor at defending crosses this campaign, and a key part of a full-back’s job is to prevent crossing – but with no natural left-back to do so, this could cause United to become even more leaky at the back.

With United’s attack blowing very hot and cold in recent times, the defence needs to be solid in order for the club to have any chance of succeeding – and with little to no cover at left-back, this is reduced.

Reguilón is now spending the rest of the season at Brentford, and United are unable to draft in any sort of emergency loan. Getting rid of the Spaniard may have just cost them Champions League football.