Manchester United made a late attempt to sign Rayan Ait‑Nouri on Deadline Day, but Manchester City promptly blocked any move that would have bolstered their local rivals.
Michael Carrick’s side spent much of the summer searching for a new left‑back, with Lewis Hall among their primary targets.
Newcastle declined to consider a sale, leaving United to begin the season without a specialist left‑back.
United’s late enquiry into Ait‑Nouri demonstrates how seriously they pursued a solution.
Manchester City Rebuffs Late Manchester United Bid for Ait‑Nouri
Football Insider reported that Manchester United contacted City just before the transfer window closed, seeking permission to sign Ait‑Nouri.
City had no intention of allowing the Algerian international to move across Manchester, especially to a direct domestic rival, and swiftly rejected United’s enquiry.
The Premier League champions are also expected to resist any fresh approach in January.
This stance is logical given Ait‑Nouri’s role under Enzo Maresca; the 25‑year‑old has featured in multiple positions and provided an assist for Erling Haaland in City’s 2‑0 Champions League win over Porto earlier this week.
City Xtra noted that Ait‑Nouri came off the bench in Portugal and created Haaland’s late second goal, demonstrating why Maresca still views him as a valuable asset in a squad competing across multiple competitions.
United Must Avoid Pursuing Overly Complex Transfers
United’s interest in Ait‑Nouri was understandable.
He is a proven Premier League player, excellent at carrying the ball and capable of providing the attacking width Carrick wants from his full‑backs.
The problem is that this always appeared to be an extremely difficult transfer.
City had little sporting or financial incentive to strengthen United, especially as Ait‑Nouri remains useful to Maresca; after Newcastle also refused to sell Hall, United found themselves chasing players whose clubs had little reason to negotiate.
This should influence United’s planning for 2027.
Luke Shaw remains the first‑choice left‑back, but at 31 he cannot be viewed as a long‑term solution; United therefore need a realistic succession plan rather than relying on opportunistic deadline‑day enquiries.
Ait‑Nouri would improve the squad, but City’s stance appears clear.
Manchester United officials are ‘pleased’ with Carrick for developing a key player under his leadership
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