RE: Maybe a silly question: side thrust - why we need it ?
All these answers are correct. However the most significant factor in the left-turning tendancy is the spiral propellor wash. It swirls over the fuselage and impacts the left side of the vertical stab. The causes a left yaw, and the right thrust offsets this. The other above mentioned effects of precession, p-factor, and torque also contribute, although to a lesser degree.
Regards,
George