Sportsupdated 44m ago2 min read
Archive photo · 23 January 2024Manchester United Weigh January Move For Man City Left-Back Rayan Ait-Nouri
“Sky Germany report that United are willing to reignite their interest and that personal terms wouldn't be an issue.”
“Manchester United are considering a shock move for Manchester City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, 25, with personal terms not a barrier to any potential deal for the Algeria international.”
Photo: Anneprudence, CC BY 4.0 · Cropped for layout
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Manchester United considering a January move for Manchester City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri. Personal terms not a barrier to a potential January deal.
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United eye Ait-Nouri
Manchester United are weighing a potential January move for Manchester City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, with Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg saying personal terms are "not an issue." Manchester United had been offered the chance to open talks for Ait-Nouri on deadline day during the summer window, but no deal materialised before the window shut. Manchester United’s left-back situation has been shaped by Luke Shaw remaining the only natural specialist in that position, with injuries forcing Michael Carrick to use Diogo Dalot or Ayden Heaven elsewhere.
Manchester United’s sporting director Jason Wilcox is ready to revisit a move for Ait-Nouri after the club previously declined a loan offer for the player during the summer deadline day. Manchester United are also considering the left-back options Alejandro Balde and David Raum as they look for reinforcements in the upcoming winter window.
Minutes and the rivalry
Rayan Ait-Nouri is open to leaving Manchester City in January because he is struggling for minutes, with Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly ahead of him in the pecking order. The Mirror says Ait-Nouri has "only made four appearances for City this season" and that none have come in the Premier League. Florian Plettenberg said on X that "The main issue is the relationship between the two Manchester clubs," framing the rivalry as the obstacle to club-to-club negotiations.
The Mirror also pointed to the last senior player to go from red to blue or vice versa, naming Owen Hargreaves in 2011 after his contract with United had expired. Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca told reporters, "He's a clear full-back," while describing Josko Gvardiol and Nico O'Reilly as competition in the same position.
What happens next
Manchester United’s pursuit of Ait-Nouri is tied to whether Manchester City will accept a fee for a loan or permanent deal, with the sticking point described as the clubs agreeing on a price. TEAMtalk said Ait-Nouri was signed for £37m (add-ons included) "just two summers ago," and it described his situation as untenable because he has not started a single match in the Premier League this season. The Mirror said Ait-Nouri’s only 90 minutes so far came against Norwich in the third round of the Carabao Cup, when City won 5-0.
Manchester United’s January plans also intersect with other transfer targets, because TEAMtalk listed David Raum and Alejandro Balde among the left-backs on their shortlist. Manchester City are preparing for Champions League action, and the Mirror said Ait-Nouri will be hoping to feature in their Champions League fixture away to RB Leipzig on Wednesday, having been named in their 23-man travelling squad.