Manchester United have been in the hunt for Manchester City’s Rayan Ait-Nouri but it is Juventus who have made in-roads over a deal.
The left-back has struggled for game time since his arrival from Wolves in 2025. Last season, he featured for less than 1000 minutes in the Premier League. Things haven’t been better in the ongoing campaign either, as he hasn’t played a single time in the top-flight.
This has attracted interest from Juve, with Sport Witness having covered their need for a new left-back in January.
More details are now emerging about the Algerian’s situation, with Manchester City open to an exit.
Contacts already underway
Gazzetta dello Sport report the Bianconeri attempted a deal for Ait-Nouri in the summer. They narrowly missed out on a move but have another chance at a move in January.
They are trying to race ahead of Manchester United, having made initial enquiries over a move.
The Algeria international is the most intriguing option for the Old Lady. This is also because of a belief that Manchester City’s stance over his exit can change in the next few months.
The newspaper are certain he will depart in the winter window, which is giving hope of an initial loan deal. That is the Bianconeri’s aim, as they have to contend with UEFA restrictions, because of which they won’t be able to afford a permanent deal.
That could give hope to Manchester United but they appear behind in the race.
Player will have several suitors
The 25-year-old has proved himself at the highest level now and he deserves to be playing more than he is. Manchester City have no plans for him and the full-back should be pushing for a transfer.
Ait-Nouri will have several clubs in the race for his signature. Juventus could offer him a chance at playing regularly but they aren’t playing in the Champions League this season.
The player will therefore have to make the right decision.
Sport Witness Analysis – Players to have appeared for both Manchester clubs
PLAYED FOR BOTH MANCHESTER CLUBS
Manchester United & Manchester City · Senior competitive appearances |
|
MODERN ERA & NOTABLE HISTORICAL NAMES
| Player |
Manchester United |
Manchester City |
| Owen Hargreaves |
2007–2011 |
2011–2012 |
| Carlos Tevez |
2007–2009 |
2009–2013 |
| Andy Cole |
1995–2001 |
2005–2006 |
| Peter Schmeichel |
1991–1999 |
2002–2003 |
| Andrei Kanchelskis |
1991–1995 |
2001 · loan |
| Terry Cooke |
1994–1999 |
1999–2002 |
| Mark Robins |
1988–1992 |
1999 · loan |
| Peter Beardsley |
1982–1983 |
1998 · loan |
| John Gidman |
1981–1986 |
1986–1988 |
| Peter Barnes |
1985–1987 |
1974–1979; 1987–1988 |
| Sammy McIlroy |
1971–1982 |
1985–1986 |
| Brian Kidd |
1967–1974 |
1976–1979 |
| Wyn Davies |
1972–1973 |
1971–1972 |
| Denis Law |
1962–1973 |
1960–1961; 1973–1974 |
| Billy Meredith |
1906–1921 |
1894–1906; 1921–1924 |
| Sandy Turnbull |
1906–1915 |
1902–1906 |
OTHER HISTORICAL PLAYERS
| Player |
Manchester United |
Manchester City |
| William Douglas |
1894–1896 |
1890–1894 |
| Bob Milarvie |
1890–1891 |
1891–1896 |
| Adam Carson |
1892–1893 |
1893–1894 |
| Alf Edge |
1891–1892 |
1894 |
| Bert Read |
1902–1908 |
1895–1902 |
| Fred Williams |
1902–1903 |
1896–1902 |
| Stockport Smith |
1901–1902 |
1897–1900 |
| Joe Cassidy |
1893; 1895–1900 |
1900–1901 |
| Frank Barrett |
1896–1900 |
1901–1902 |
| Hugh Morgan |
1900–1901 |
1901–1902 |
| Daniel Hurst |
1902–1903 |
1901–1902 |
| John Christie |
1902–1904 |
1904–1907 |
| Jimmy Bannister |
1906–1909 |
1902–1906 |
| Herbert Burgess |
1906–1910 |
1903–1906 |
| George Livingstone |
1909–1915 |
1903–1906 |
| Horace Blew |
1906 |
1906 |
| Herbert Broomfield |
1907–1908 |
1908–1910 |
| Mickey Hamill |
1911–1914 |
1920–1924 |
| Wilf Woodcock |
1912–1920 |
1920–1922 |
| George Albinson |
1920–1921 |
1921–1922 |
| Len Langford |
1934–1937 |
1930–1934 |
| Bill Ridding |
1931–1934 |
1930–1931 |
| Bill Dale |
1925–1931 |
1931–1938 |
| Harry Rowley |
1928–1932; 1934–1937 |
1932–1933 |
Scope: Men’s senior competitive appearances for both clubs, including qualifying loan spells and the clubs’ earlier identities of Newton Heath and Ardwick. Dates indicate club spells; a player need not have moved directly between the clubs.
Notable inclusion: Peter Beardsley qualifies through his League Cup appearance for Manchester United and later loan appearances for Manchester City, despite making no United league appearances.
Exclusions: Jadon Sancho, Shaun Goater, Jon Macken and Tony Coton did not make competitive senior appearances for both clubs. Matt Busby, Mark Hughes and Steve Coppell had playing/managerial connections rather than playing for both first teams.
Updated: 12 November 2026.
SPORT WITNESS
