The absence of Rayan Ait-Nouri from Manchester City's 20-man matchday squad at Old Trafford on Sunday was a notable decision taken by manager Enzo Maresca.
The intriguing case of Rayan Ait-Nouri
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Ultimately, all decisions taken by the Italian coach proved to be right, as Manchester City went on to claim all three points at Old Trafford to maintain their 100 per cent winning start to the brand new Premier League season.
That outcome came despite City being down to 10-men for the majority of the contest, following Phil Foden's red card for an apparent kick out at Bruno Fernandes, after the Portuguese midfielder's own kick into the back of the Englishman.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has taken aim at Bruno Fernandes following Phil Foden's controversial red card in Sunday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford.cityxtra.co.uk"Too Much Focus on Foden" - Carragher Slams Fernandes After Manchester Derby Antics
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has taken aim at Bruno Fernandes following Phil Foden's controversial red card in Sunday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
The difference came in the second-half, when Josko Gvardiol's delivery from the left was converted by Erling Haaland, who now becomes the top-scorer in Manchester derbies in Premier League history.
The Norwegian's ninth goal against Manchester United in English top-flight meetings takes him above City legend Sergio Aguero and Old Trafford hero Wayne Rooney - both of whom scored eight goals in the same contests.
One man who was absent from proceedings was Rayan Ait-Nouri, whom Enzo Maresca had glowed about in his pre-match press conference commitments, highlighting the Algerian's versatility when available.
Why Rayan Ait-Nouri was absent against Man United
Now, as per the Manchester Evening News' Simon Bajkowski, Rayan Ait-Nouri is expected to be available for Manchester City's League Cup game against Norwich City on Thursday night despite missing the Premier League win over Manchester United on Sunday.
The Algerian international is not carrying an injury, and was instead described as being left out at Old Trafford for tactical reasons with manager Enzo Maresca preferring other options for the derby clash.
What does Maresca think about Ait-Nouri?
Speaking ahead of Manchester City's visit to Old Trafford, Enzo Maresca was quizzed on Rayan Ait-Nouri's role in his Etihad Stadium squad, particularly off the back of the defender's role in Portugal earlier in the week.
Brought on for the final exchanges of City's 0-2 win over FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League, Ait-Nouri was utilised in the left-wing role, and offered the decisive assist for Erling Haaland to round-off a vital three points on matchweek one of the European competition.
Discussing Ait-Nouri's role and how he is viewed by himself and City's coaching staff, Enzo Maresca told reporters last week, “At Wolves I know he was playing back-five, so it was more wing-back.
"In this moment, I see him more as a winger than full-back but that doesn’t mean in future if we need him at full-back that we're not going to use him. But in this moment, he's more a winger."
Glowing on the player's abilities, Enzo Maresca continued, “I think technically he’s very good. Also in one-vs-one he’s good. In terms of passes, he made a good assist for Erling [Haaland vs FC Porto]."
For now, it remains to be seen where Rayan Ait-Nouri's next opportunity to impress could come, although it is highly likely that he will be selected in the midweek contest against Norwich City in the Carabao Cup - largely with rotation in mind.