01 September 2023 , 07:09
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Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte have butted heads in the past over Manchester United signing Sergio Reguilon, with the Spaniard once ‘banished’ in North London.
The left-back is set to move to Old Trafford on a season-long loan, with the Red Devils electing to swoop for him instead of compatriot Marc Cucurella. United were previously in talks with Chelsea regarding a deal for the former Brighton and Barcelona star.
Reguilon’s move to Old Trafford brings United’s search for a left-back to an end with Erik ten Hag keen to move for another defender following injuries suffered by Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Ahead of his arrival, former United boss Mourinho has already given his approval to a move.
The Portuguese was previously full of praise for the 26-year-old having watched him in action for former employers Real Madrid. Speaking during the 2018/19 campaign, Mourinho said: “I say, from my perspective too, one of the players that could show that Real Madrid's traditional desire to compete against Barcelona was a kid like Reguilon, who had a very good approach in both matches.”
Mourinho’s admiration for Reguilon only appeared to grow. The former United boss sanctioned a £27million swoop for the left-back’s signature during his time in North London.
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He was instantly Mourinho’s first-choice as he went on to make 36 appearances across his debut season with Spurs. Reguilon continued to be handed opportunities even after the Portuguese was sacked and replaced by Conte.
Antonio Conte was not left convinced by Sergio Reguilon (Getty Images)Will Sergio Reguilon be a good signing for Man United? Share your thoughts in the comments below
That relationship soon deteriorated however as the Italian quickly alienated the Spanish defender. He even went as far as transfer-listing Reguilon and prevented him from training with the first-team squad according to the Evening Standard.
That eventually ended with the defender being moved out of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He returned to Spain with a loan move to Atletico Madrid but was only afforded 12 appearances in all competitions as injury limited his contributions.
While Reguilon appeared to get on the wrong side of Conte, the same could have also been said of Atleti boss Diego Simeone. Reports in Spain back in February suggested that the Argentine was left less than impressed by the defender’s performances and he was ready to cancel his loan deal early.
A 22-minute red card against Almeria only soured relationships further, with the defender going on to start only two more matches during the campaign. Unsurprisingly, Atleti elected not to make the deal permanent.
He also has yet to convince new Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, who has not afforded Reguilon a single minute of competitive action ahead of a potential move to Old Trafford.