£29m asking price, wild card and Malacia mystery - Man United transfer verdict on left-back issue

Manchester United's squad rebuild is gathering pace after a raft of bids for transfer targets.

A disappointing eighth-placed finish in the Premier League last season was the worst in United's Premier League history. It almost cost manager Erik ten Hag his job and prompted a serious review by new co-owners Ineos after the campaign concluded.

Ten Hag was eventually given the green light to continue, but knows performances must improve, with a particular focus on the defence. United shipped 58 league goals last season and finished with a negative goal difference.

Changes have been made already. Raphael Varane has gone, his contract not extended, while Willy Kambwala is on the verge of leaving for Villareal. In their place, United hope to recruit at least two centre-halves with terms agreed for Matthijs de Ligt, an offer accepted for Lille youngster Leny Yoro, and two bids having been placed for Jarrad Branthwaite.

The full-back areas remain untouched at the moment. Diogo Dalot has turned into one of United's most valuable assets and will start as first-choice right-back, but left-back was a real cause for concern last season. Luke Shaw's injury problems were compounded by Tyrell Malacia missing the entire season with a knee problem.

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There is no timeframe on Malacia's return, with the Dutchman a no-show when the players returned for pre-season this week, while Shaw's fitness record remains a concern even if he has come back into the England reckoning at the Euros. It's prompted questions over whether United need another left back, with no recognised senior