Manchester United's most important signing could be a free transfer

The funeral of Kath Phipps was the only occasion in recent memory where a Manchester United manager had a full squad with him.

Every first-team squad member, whether fit, unwell or injured, followed Ruben Amorim into Manchester Cathedral to pay their respects to a remarkable woman whom Sir Alex Ferguson said ran the club in his effusive eulogy.

Having Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia on the same coach is a rarity. Since the start of last season, United's two senior left backs have been named in the same squad on three occasions. That's three matches out of a possible 72.

Amorim said last week Shaw was closing in on a return. The United captain Bruno Fernandes is now 17 United appearances shy of drawing level with Shaw. Shaw made his United debut in September 2014. Fernandes' bow was in February 2020.

Left back was a blind spot for Erik ten Hag, be it instructing United to hijack Lyon's move for Malacia, signing Sergio Reguilon, selling Alvaro Fernandez, playing Harry Amass in pre-season but not during the actual season. Malacia is out of contract next year and this could well be his last with United.

Shaw has made 24 starts since he agreed a four-year deal in April 2023. That has to be the final United contract for a player who has so far made three substitute appearances in his 11th season at the club.

A left back, a left wing back, or left winger, is essential in the summer. Amorim is still dependent on the durability and versatility of right backs Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot on the flanks and the latter enjoyed his best game of the season against the negligent Trent Alexander-Arnold at Anfield. Those two really ought to be competing with each other on the right-hand side.

United are interested in the Sporting