Key Takeaways:
- Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a January move for Manchester City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri
- Ait-Nouri will look to leave Manchester City during the transfer window, according to his entourage speaking to L’Équipe
- The 25-year-old has played just four games in all competitions this season, totalling 168 minutes
Manchester United Look Again at a Problem Position
Manchester United are assessing a possible mid-season move for Manchester City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri as they seek to strengthen an area of the squad that has repeatedly caused problems. Luke Shaw remains the only natural specialist left-back available to the club, and injuries have often left United short of balance on that side of the pitch.
Those shortages have forced Michael Carrick to use Diogo Dalot and Ayden Heaven away from their preferred roles. As a result, the left-back position has become a priority for sporting director Jason Wilcox ahead of the winter transfer window.
Florian Plettenberg states that United are ready to revisit their interest in Ait-Nouri. Personal terms are not expected to be a major obstacle, with the Algeria international said to be keen on finding regular football after slipping towards the fringes at City.
🚨🆕 Rayan Aït-Nouri, one to watch in the winter transfer window.
The 25 y/o left-back is open to leaving Manchester City.
Understand Manchester United would like to sign him. Personal terms are not an issue. #MCFC #MUFC
The main issue is the relationship between the two Manchester clubs. Aït-Nouri’s market is currently being explored.
@SkySportDE 🇩🇿
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 3, 2026
Ait-Nouri’s Etihad Role Has Shrunk
Ait-Nouri joined Manchester City from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2025 in a £30m move. Although he made a strong start, his role soon diminished, and he has struggled for consistent minutes under both Pep Guardiola and Enzo Maresca.
During his first full campaign with City, the former Angers and Wolves player made only 17 Premier League appearances. This season, his involvement has fallen further: he has not played a single minute in the league, while his appearances have been restricted to Champions League substitute outings and domestic cup matches.
The 25-year-old has featured in just four games in all competitions this season, accumulating 168 minutes. He is behind Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly in Enzo Maresca’s pecking order.
Summer Interest Did Not Become a Deal
A summer exit was already discussed and came close to materialising. Manchester United made an approach late in the transfer window, trying to sign Ait-Nouri on loan with a buy option. That attempt was unsuccessful, with City not keen to sell to their fierce rivals.
Entourage Pushes for a January Solution
A January departure is now expected. Ait-Nouri’s entourage has told L’Équipe that he “retains good value” in the English market, with interest emerging from the Premier League and elsewhere.
“We have to find the best solution with Manchester City. He can’t remain in a situation where his talent is wasted,” his entourage added.
Despite his limited City minutes, Ait-Nouri’s Premier League experience at Wolves and Manchester City is viewed as valuable. His record at Wolves, where he played 157 games and scored 12 goals, underlines why he is regarded as a “technically excellent” player capable of contributing both defensively and offensively.
His ability to operate as a wing-back or winger is understood to appeal to United’s coaching staff as they try to move the team away from the lower reaches of the table.
A Difficult Transfer Between Manchester Rivals
The biggest complication is the rivalry between Manchester United and Manchester City. Direct deals between the two clubs are rare and difficult to negotiate, particularly for senior players.
The last high-profile example was Owen Hargreaves, who moved to City only after his contract at Old Trafford had expired in 2011. Carlos Tevez’s switch in 2009 remains one of the most controversial modern moments, although that deal involved complex third-party ownership issues rather than a direct club-to-club agreement.
United may hope their current executive structure can help any talks. CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox have both previously held key roles at Manchester City, and their Etihad connections could be important if negotiations develop for a player City reportedly view as surplus to requirements.
