Ruben Amorim already has two bargain transfer options to solve Man United crisis position

Tonight's visit of Leicester City in the Carabao Cup fourth round will mark the 15th game of Manchester United's 2024/25 campaign.

And in that entire span, United have not once been able to call upon a fit senior left-back. First choice left-back Luke Shaw has not featured for United since February 18 and has suffered a fresh setback with his latest injury concern.

Meanwhile, Tyrell Malacia has not played since May 2023 with a serious knee injury. It has meant the likes of Diogo Dalot and Lisandro Martinez have had to deputise in the position.

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It is a problem which has hurt United for some time now and it is a problem that simply needs addressing. When he is fit, Shaw is one of the best left-backs in the Premier League and has been one of England's best players during a golden period at international level.

The problem is that Shaw's fitness is unreliable. Nobody will be hurting more than Shaw, of course. No professional footballer wants to be injured.

But the time has perhaps come to bring in a solid competitor at left-back so United are not relying on players playing out of position in his absence.

Teenager Harry Amass is highly rated but isn't ready for regular senior football at the top level. It is a problem potential new manager Ruben Amorim must address, particularly given the importance of full-backs in his successful 3-4-3 formation at Sporting Lisbon.

And, as luck would have it, there are two left-backs who could be available for free in the summer who could fill that void.

Ferland Mendy has been a stalwart for Real