Rayan Ait-Nouri is increasingly likely to push for a January move away from Manchester City if his situation does not improve in the coming weeks.
According to a report by Pete O’Rourke on Football Insider, Rayan Ait-Nouri is the subject of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils attempted to sign the 25-year-old Manchester City full-back in the summer transfer window, but a deal did not materialise. However, they are likely to return with a bid in January.
Discussing Ait-Nouri’s situation, Pete O’Rourke said, “He potentially could move away. United did make a surprise move for him in the summer transfer window which was quickly rebuffed by City. If Ait-Nouri feels there’s no road or pathway for him at City then he might seek a move away from the Etihad.”
Rayan Ait-Nouri and his situation
Rayan Ait-Nouri has seen his growth come to a grinding halt since joining Manchester City from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a deal worth £31 million in June 2025. While the 25-year-old was the first-choice left-back when his spell began, an untimely ankle injury cost him that status, with Nico O’Reilly usurping him. His lack of regular involvement has made a January exit inevitable, opening the door for interested clubs.
In 35 appearances thus far for Manchester City, the Algerian international has managed nine assists, demonstrating the quality that keeps him in demand despite limited game time. His situation has worsened this season, with Ait-Nouri featuring only four times without appearing in the Premier League under Enzo Maresca. Despite his irregular involvement, his popularity in the transfer market remains high.
Move across the Premier League on the cards?
Rayan Ait-Nouri has been on Manchester United’s wishlist since his days at Wolverhampton Wanderers. The continued interest is logical, as Luke Shaw is the only specialist left-back in Michael Carrick’s squad. So, with injuries hampering the Englishman this season and forcing him to miss nine games so far in the 2026/27 season, Diogo Dalot has played as a makeshift left-back for most of the campaign.
With Patrick Dorgu transitioning into a winger, Manchester United must sign a left-back to provide Shaw with cover and compete with him, particularly given the English defender’s injury history. Shaw remains in their long-term plans, but the club did not solve a need that has become pressing since the summer transfer window and must address it in January.