Manchester United are expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer under new manager Ruben Amorim.
With Matheus Cunha set to arrive from Wolves, United are actively shaping the squad in Amorim’s image.
Left-back remains an area United are monitoring closely, especially with Luke Shaw’s persistent fitness issues.
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Meanwhile, Manchester City have turned their attention to bolstering their left flank following Josko Gvardiol’s mixed displays and the experimental use of academy midfielder Nico O’Reilly in that position.
City are also preparing for the Club World Cup in the United States, and there’s pressure to strengthen key areas ahead of a grueling schedule.
Now, a player Manchester United have shown interest in could end up wearing blue instead.
According to the Athletic, Manchester City are advancing in talks to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri in a move that would see them snatch a target away from United’s radar.
The 23-year-old Algeria international has impressed across four seasons in the Premier League, racking up 157 appearances for Wolves and playing a pivotal role in their campaign just gone.
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Rayan Ait-Nouri contributed five goals and seven assists in all competitions last season, shining especially after Matheus Cunha’s injury when he became the main creative force in Gary O’Neil’s setup.
His marauding runs, incisive passing, and flair in the final third have drawn comparisons to Joao Cancelo — a player both Manchester clubs know well.
United had previously explored a move for Ait-Nouri as part of their full-back reshuffle, but City’s swift action may see them beaten to the punch.
Wolves, already bracing for Cunha’s confirmed exit to Old Trafford, are reluctant to lose another key figure, but with financial incentives and player ambition aligning, a deal looks likely.
Ait-Nouri’s preference for playing in a wing-back system might have made him an ideal fit in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation at United.
Instead, City now appear poised to integrate him into their fluid, inverted full-back system under Pep Guardiola.
For United, missing out on another target to City could sting — especially if Ait-Nouri flourishes in Manchester, just not in red.
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