Man Utd make shock move for Man City left-back
September 2, 2026 02:36
Manchester United have reportedly lodged a late enquiry to sign Manchester City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, according to a talkSPORT report picked up by EyeFootball. The approach comes as United search urgently for a left-back before the transfer window shuts.
The move involves a player who has slid down City's pecking order; Ait-Nouri is said to be behind Nico O'Reilly and Josko Gvardiol in Enzo Maresca's first-team choices. talkSPORT also describe the likelihood of a completed deal before the 11pm deadline as low.
KEY CONTEXT
- Ait-Nouri joined Manchester City last summer after previously playing for Wolves.
- Under manager Enzo Maresca he is currently listed as the third-choice left-back behind Nico O'Reilly and Josko Gvardiol.
- Relations and transfer history between the two clubs are relevant: City have not carried out a permanent cash sale of a first-team player to United since 1996, a point raised in coverage of the approach.
- The summer transfer window closes on September 1, 2026 at 11pm.
WHY IT MATTERS
- United's late interest reflects an urgent need to reinforce the left-back position before the deadline.
- A potential move would be notable because transfers of first-team players directly between the two Manchester clubs have been rare in recent decades, and the reported prospect of City being unwilling to do business with United could scupper a deadline-day solution.
- Ait-Nouri’s reduced role at City helps explain why United might target him as a short-term option.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Manchester City will agree to any departure for Ait-Nouri before the 11pm transfer deadline.
- If a deal with City proves impossible, whether United will complete an alternative signing before the window closes.
- Monitoring further confirmation from the clubs or additional reporting beyond the initial talkSPORT claim.
KEY FACTS
- Reported by talkSPORT: Manchester United have made a late enquiry for Rayan Ait-Nouri.
- Ait-Nouri is an Algerian left-back at Manchester City and arrived there last summer after leaving Wolves.
- He is currently third-choice left-back behind Nico O'Reilly and Josko Gvardiol under manager Enzo Maresca.
- City have not made a permanent cash transfer of a first-team player to United since 1996 (noted in the coverage).
- The transfer window closes on September 1, 2026 at 11pm.
- talkSPORT judge a completed deal before the deadline to be highly unlikely.