Manchester united did not have many other positives to take from their 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
There were not many options open to Manchester United as they frantically searched for a new left-back in the closing days of the summer transfer window.
In an ideal world they would not have had to sign one
But they were forced into late action following an injury blow to Luke Shaw at a time when Tyrell Malacia was already sidelined as well.
Even though Diogo Dalot had experience playing in the role
Youngster Alvaro Fernandez had just come back from a successful loan spell with Preston,
There was a desire for the club to have another natural in that position.
It could easily have been Marc Cucurella, but Chelsea’s high loan demands and odd decision to field him in the Carabao Cup ended any hopes of that happening.
Instead, United went back to the initial drawing board that had seen Sergio Reguilon shortlisted alongside Marcos Alonso as a potential short-term fix.
United’s team
It is safe to say expectations were low for a Tottenham outcast who was not even United’s first choice for the role.
Yet in his first two outings for the club, the Spanish full-back has been positive in both,
Which is particularly impressive given they both ended in defeat with seven goals conceded.
It is important not to get too carried away with Reguilon at this stage,
He does deserve some real credit for his level of performance given
What initially expected of him when he arrived.
He looked lively against Brighton at the weekend and can be proud of elements of his individual performance against Bayern as well,
Particularly with how he contained Leroy Sane for much of the night.
Not only was Reguilon bright going forward with regular overlaps down the left,
But fundamentally he was reliable defensively as well,
With one moment standing out early in the match when he tracked back to end a bright Bayern break.
What is most encouraging is that he is managing to shine at a time
When there is so much gloom, and it would be fascinating to see,
What he could offer as part of a confident United side that would make more of his obvious attacking output.
There is genuine reason to be excited for what else Reguilon could offer, though once again,
It is important to note he only has two appearances under his belt and must keep up this level of consistency if he is to have any hope of a permanent move.
Three years after United first considered a move for him but signed Alex Telles instead,
They might finally have found the left-back solution they wanted all along.
