Manchester United have reportedly decided against signing former Real Madrid defender David Alaba as a free agent, although their position could change if an injury crisis leaves them without a natural left-back.

Alaba became available after his contract with Real Madrid expired in June, making the experienced Austrian one of the prominent free agents still on the market. His availability had raised the possibility of a move to Old Trafford, particularly because United have a shortage of recognised options on the left side of their defence.

However, according to Manchester Evening News reporter Tyrone Marshall, United are currently not considering a move for the 34-year-old. One of the reasons is the belief among club officials that Alaba has regressed from the level he previously displayed.

United had initially identified Lewis Hall of Newcastle United as their preferred option at left-back, but they were unable to spend more than £60 million on the England international after prioritising a major midfield overhaul.

The club instead committed £150 million to the additions of Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. They subsequently decided against pursuing a cheaper alternative, leaving head coach Michael Carrick with Luke Shaw as his only natural left-back, although other members of the squad can operate in the position when required.

Marshall explained that United are not currently interested in the free-agent market because several of the available players are either past their best or have seen their performances decline.

“From what I have been told, United aren’t looking at the free agent market,” Marshall said during a question-and-answer session for the Manchester Evening News.

He added: “Many of these players available are past their best; Ramos and Carvajal certainly fit that description. Others have been released because their games have regressed, such as Alaba.

“Essentially, they are free agents for a reason, but they are also players who in the past have been paid very handsomely. They don’t fit the recruitment model that Ineos have introduced at Old Trafford.

“The only possible way this changes is if Luke Shaw picks up a significant injury and United are left with no left-back at all, but even then it’s far from guaranteed.”

United’s position could also have implications for their plans for the January transfer window. Marshall said the club are not certain to recruit a left-back midway through the season, with the decision expected to depend largely on how the campaign develops.

“If Shaw has stayed fit and others have stepped in at times, then a left-back is unlikely,” Marshall said.

“There might be a desire to look at the loan market again, but the priority is to sign a left-back for the long-term and that is only likely to happen next summer.”

The situation surrounding Joshua Zirkzee could also be reviewed in January, although United may decide that another striker is unnecessary. Marshall pointed out that Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Marcus Rashford are all capable of playing through the middle.

“Zirkzee’s future could be looked at again in January, but United have Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Marcus Rashford who can play through the middle, so a replacement might not be needed,” he added.

For now, therefore, Alaba appears unlikely to become a Manchester United player. A significant injury to Shaw that leaves Carrick without a recognised left-back could force the club to reconsider, but even that scenario would not guarantee a move for the former Real Madrid star.