Three left-backs Man United could still sign after transfer deadline as Rayan Ait-Nouri deal collapses

Manchester United could still sign a left-back this summer despite the transfer window officially shutting.

After 78 days and 23 hours, the 2026/27 summer transfer window is officially shut, leaving all 20 Premier League sides with their squads.

A crazy Deadline Day saw deals completed across the English top-flight, with Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur all securing late signings.

One club that disappointed fans in the final hours of the transfer window was Manchester United who, despite completing four signings across the summer, failed to get any deals across the line on Deadline Day.

Earlier in the summer, Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba all joined to revamp Michael Carrick's midfield for a combined £155million, while a free transfer allowed Karl Darlow to join.

As the deadline approached, United did make efforts to bring several new players to Old Trafford, as the club targeted a new left-back to help provide cover for Luke Shaw this season.

Barcelona's Alejandro Balde was linked with a loan move to United, while a late transfer for Jorge Salinas, who has a €16m release clause in his Racing Santander contract, was considered.

By far the most bizarre left-back link was to Manchester City's Rayan Ait-Nouri, as United made with their local rivals about the logistics of a move as a desperate move in the final hours of the window.

Eventually, the deal fell through as City would only sanction a loan containing an obligation to buy, while United did not want a permanent deal.

But that doesn't mean that United can't still bring a new left-back to the club at some point this season, as several free agents reveal available to be signed at any moment.

With that in mind, here are three left-backs that United could consider signing if things really get desperate this season.

Oleksandr Zinchenko

Should United need another left-back with plenty of Premier League experience, then Zinchenko could be a perfect stop-gap to help fill in for Shaw at various points of the season.

Across spells with Manchester City, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, Zinchenko has made 150 Premier League appearances.

The only issue with Zinchenko is his fitness after the Ukraine international underwent knee surgery after suffering a serious injury during his home debut for the Dutch club in February.

As it stands, it is not clear when the 29-year-old will be fit once again, but should he be ready to go sometime soon, he could be a smart short-term buy for United.

Raphael Guerreiro

Having won the Bundesliga, Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League, veteran defender Guerreiro is another experience defender United could sign as a free agent.

The 32-year-old Portugal international ended up a three-year stint with Bayern Munich this summer, having originally joined on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023.

During his time with the German giants, Guerreiro established himself as somewhat of a 'Swiss Army knife' that could fill in wherever needed throughout the season.

Such a talent could prove to be invaluable for United, as the veteran could provide cover across the pitch should Shaw manage to stay fit throughout the season.

And, given what age he is currently at in his career, it's likely that Guerreiro would accept a lower wage in order to make a move to Old Trafford possible.

Raphael Guerreiro is available as a free agent. (Image: Getty Images)

Tyrell Malacia

Admittedly, there is no chance of this one happening, but given the quality of left-backs available as free agents, Malacia may not be the worst option for United to consider later this season.

The Dutchman spent spent four years at United before leaving this summer following the expiration of his contract.

At the time, many fans were happy enough to see the once highly-rated defender leave as many expected that United would reinforce the left-back position with new signings this summer.

But given the fact this hasn't happened, United may be tempted to take a short-term punt on bringing Malacia back to the club should they find themselves in dire need of a left-back at some point this campaign.

And in Malacia, they'd be brining in a player who is already familiar with the club and many of the current players.