Michael Carrick celebrating towards fans with Enzo Maresca on sideline right inset
Michael Carrick celebrating towards fans with Enzo Maresca on sideline right inset
United retain an interest in the 25-year-old after making a surprise approach for his services late in the summer window.
Ait Nouri has struggled for regular minutes at City this season after falling down the left-back pecking order under Enzo Maresca.
He was blocked from moving to Old Trafford in the last window but may be available to leave the Etihad in the new year.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, United want to bolster their left-back options and the Algerian remains high on their transfer shortlist.
It is unclear whether the Citizens would be open to bolstering a rival, particularly midway through the season.
Rayan Ait Nouri could be an option for Man United despite Man City rivalry
Ait Nouri has only made four competitive appearances for Man City this season, registering three assists.
He will find it tough to break into the side in the Premier League behind Josko Gvardiol and Nico O'Reilly, so may push to leave in January, with Old Trafford still a genuine option.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "United did make a surprise move for him in the summer transfer window. We all know about their issues at left-back. Maybe he could be the answer to those problems for the Old Trafford club, but you don’t see many transfers between City and United.
"If the player does try and push for a move away in search of regular first-team football, then it is something that could happen."
Ait Nouri would be an upgrade on Luke Shaw for United
Shaw remains Michael Carrick's first-choice left-back after club chiefs decided against adding competition to the position in the summer.
Ait Nouri would be a real upgrade on Shaw based on their respective 2025-26 Premier League statistics.
The Algerian created more chances (1.11 to 0.45), completed more successful dribbles (2.03 to 0.28) and had more touches in the opposition box (2.49 to 0.81) per 90 minutes than Shaw.
He also made more ball recoveries (4.52 to 2.98), more tackles (3.23 to 2.06) and covered more distance (11.1km to 10.3) per 90 than the Red Devils defender.