Manchester United Target January Loan Move for Manchester City Defender
Manchester City could face reignited transfer interest from cross-town rivals Manchester United, according to new reports.
Can Rayan Ait-Nouri still make it at Manchester City?
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Since the start of the 2026/27 season and a fresh era under new manager Enzo Maresca, Rayan Ait-Nouri has managed to make just three appearances for Manchester City across competitions - starting just a Carabao Cup third round clash with Norwich City.
Substitute appearances against FC Porto in Portugal and AEK Athens at home, both in the UEFA Champions League, have also accompanied the League Cup appearance, totalling three assists in those three outings.
The latest struggles from Rayan Ait-Nouri follow difficulties under Pep Guardiola during the last campaign, with Nico O'Reilly and Josko Gvardiol placed ahead of the Algeria international in the left-back pecking order.
And while the arrival of Maresca as City's new manager in the summer brought some hope that Ait-Nouri may be handed further opportunities to impress, the former Wolves man is seemingly viewed as a back-up left-winger by his new coach.
Such is the belief that opportunities will continue to be limited under Enzo Maresca, the left-back was reportedly offered to Manchester United towards the end of the most recent summer transfer window by his representatives.
With Manchester City only willing to sanction a loan agreement with their cross-town rivals containing an obligation to buy the defender, Rayan Ait-Nouri ultimately remained at the Etihad Stadium - but it seems as through interest from Old Trafford remains.
Man United target Man City loan agreement
Now, according to a new report from Africa Foot, translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester United have not given up on the idea of signing Manchester City's Rayan Ait-Nouri on loan.
It is suggested that Old Trafford chiefs are studying the possibility of recruiting the Algerian during the January transfer window, believing the former Wolves man presents an 'interesting profile' thanks to his offensive qualities and Premier League experience.
Could Rayan Ait-Nouri appear any time soon for City?
Whilst appearances have been hard to come by, manager Enzo Maresca's commitment to rotating his side amid a hectic cross-competition fixture schedule continues to hand hope to the likes of Rayan Ait-Nouri.
And with Brighton & Hove Albion the next opponents for Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the Carabao Cup fourth round and Premier League within the space of four days, the Algerian is expected to feature.
Whilst a Premier League appearance is unlikely, a continuation of his Carabao Cup start against Norwich City in round three could come on Wednesday night, as the Seagulls visit the Etihad in the next stage of the competition.
Fitness problems for Nico O'Reilly in recent weeks and a chance to rest Josko Gvardiol could also hand Rayan Ait-Nouri an opportunity at left-back with the likes of Ryan McAidoo and Allan vying for starts in wide-attack against Fabian Hurzeler's men.