Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Jason Wilcox
(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Manchester City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri could be set for a crosstown move, as Manchester United are planning to make an attempt to sign him in January.
The Red Devils should have already bought a new full-back in the summer, but instead left Luke Shaw as the only natural option on the left side.
The England international has been struggling with an injury for weeks, and the situation was compounded by Patrick Dorgu’s absence, forcing Michael Carrick to resort to emergency solutions, like shifting Diogo Dalot and Ayden Heaven to the left-back role.
Man Utd want to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri in January
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Rayan Ait-Nouri of Manchester City during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Norwich City at Etihad Stadium on September 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Rayan Ait-Nouri of Manchester City during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Norwich City at Etihad Stadium on September 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
In January, Jason Wilcox and the rest of the Man Utd management will be given the opportunity to make a belated adjustment by recruiting a new left-back.
However, Lewis Hall, who was their ultimate target in the summer, is no longer an option after signing a long-term contract with Newcastle. Therefore, United must find alternative targets.
In recent weeks, the club has been increasingly linked with Ait-Nouri, who is growing frustrated with his lack of playing time at Man 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… pic.twitter.com/kc3cDPcZqf
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 3, 2026
According to Sky Sport DE journalist Florian Plettenberg, MUFC ‘would like’ to bring the Algerian to the club in January, adding that personal terms won’t pose an issue for the club.
The transfer market expert believes the biggest obstacle for the Reds would be striking an agreement with their city rivals.
Why Ait-Nouri is a suitable option for Man United
LEEDS, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Rayan Ait-Nouri of Manchester City arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester City at Elland Road on February 28, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LEEDS, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Rayan Ait-Nouri of Manchester City arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester City at Elland Road on February 28, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
During the winter market, clubs seldom sign top players. And with Man Utd treading just above the relegation zone, their situation is unlikely to attract elite players.
Hence, the objective for Wilcox is to find a player who is good enough to lend the team a hand and is available on the market.
Since Ait-Nouri seemingly fits the description above, it’s easy to see why United have added him to the shortlist.
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Ait-Nouri’s Career Stats Appearances Goals Assits
Angers 23 0 4
Wolves 157 12 19
Man City 35 0 9
The 25-year-old made a name for himself at Wolves, earning a £30 million move to Man City in the summer of 2025.
However, the Algerian never managed to lock down a starting role, whether under Pep Guardiola or his successor Enzo Maresca. Instead, he finds himself behind Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reily in the pecking order.
As Plettenberg pointed out, a transfer from Man City to United can be tricky, but Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada are both former MCFC employees, so they might still have useful connections at their old club.
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