Manchester United are again studying the possibility of signing Rayan Aït-Nouri from Manchester City.
The Red Devils are in desperate need of a new left-back, with Luke Shaws injury issues continuing to cause problems.
His latest spell on the sidelines has forced Manchester United into a makeshift solution, with Diogo Dalot standing in at left-back against Leeds United and Noussair Mazraoui in the 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League. In the 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid, it was Ayden Heaven.
The position is very much a problem one for Michael Carrick’s side and has been for some time.
They tried to rectify it late in the summer transfer window. Reports at the time indicated they had made inquiries for Manchester City left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri.
That deal was blocked by their nearest rivals, who were uninterested in doing a deal at the end of the transfer window.
Manchester United revive left-back idea
Africa Foot now report that Manchester United have not given up on the idea entirely.
They are now studying the possibility of recruiting the Algerian during the January transfer window. They’d like to sign him on loan from Manchester City.
They believe that Rayan Aït-Nouri presents an interesting profile thanks to his offensive qualities and his experience in the Premier League.
He would provide much needed quality and cover in what is, undeniably, a problem area in the squad. The belief is that the door is open too as he’s barely featuring for City at this moment in time.
He’s yet to play a single minute in the Premier League this season. But he has featured in the Carabao Cup and Champions League.
That could encourage him to consider a temporary departure from the Etihad to find a more important role elsewhere.
| Every Manchester United signing 26/27 | Previous Club | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Player | From | Estimated Fee / Type |
| Carlos Baleba | Brighton & Hove Albion | £65m |
| Andrey Santos | Chelsea | £48m |
| Youri Tielemans | Aston Villa | £35m |
| Karl Darlow | Leeds United | Free |
Loan with obligation?
For Manchester United, a loan would represent an opportunity to strengthen without incurring a significant expense. They could even accept a loan with an obligation to tempt Manchester City.
The question is whether Enzo Maresca’s side would want to strengthen their fierce rivals.
That would be dependent on the role they see Rayan Aït-Nouri playing in the near future. What Manchester United offer financially would be decisive.
It’s a situation to keep an eye on as we barrel towards the January transfer window. A window that, could, perhaps, have a new Manchester United manager on the sidelines demanding signings.
