Manchester United are reportedly keen on City left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri for January, according to Florian Plettenberg, who says personal terms are not an issue.
Florian Plettenberg says Manchester United would like to sign Manchester City left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri, and that the 25-year-old is open to leaving. He posted it on X. This is an unconfirmed report, and the cited coverage contains no club confirmation.
In his post, Plettenberg says personal terms are not an issue and that the main obstacle is the relationship between the two Manchester clubs. He adds that Aït-Nouri's market is currently being explored. The Daily Mirror cites Sky Germany as reporting that United are willing to reignite their interest, with the rivalry as the stumbling block. Football365 and TEAMtalk have also reported the potential move, while CaughtOffside explicitly cites Plettenberg.
What is known
- Aït-Nouri joined City from Wolves in 2025 for an initial £31 million, according to the Mirror.
- He has made four appearances for City this season, none in the Premier League. His only full 90 minutes came against Norwich in the Carabao Cup, with two assists in a 5-0 win.
- United tried and failed to sign him on deadline day in September, the Mirror says. The Mirror reports they wanted him as cover for Luke Shaw, who is injured.
- City manager Enzo Maresca replied: "He's a clear full-back." He pointed to competition from Josko Gvardiol and Nico O'Reilly.
- He was named in City's 23-man squad for the Champions League trip to RB Leipzig.
What is not known
The reports include no fee, loan structure or contract length, and no stated City position on selling to United. Nothing in them says a bid has been made or that the clubs have spoken. They do not say whether other clubs are looking at him.
The Mirror notes that the last senior player to go directly between the two clubs was Owen Hargreaves in 2011, after his United contract had expired. That is some history for any deal to overcome.
The coverage includes no response from United, City or the player. The stage reported is interest only.
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Sources
- @Plettigoal: Rayan Aït-Nouri, one to watch in the winter transfer window, X
- Man Utd plot shock January transfer for Man City star to address problem area, Daily Mirror
- Man Utd get green light to finalise personal terms with Man City star – top journalist, Football365
- Man Utd clear huge hurdle for shock Man City signing – 'personal terms not an issue', TEAMtalk
- Manchester United explore January move for 25-year-old wide player from bitter rivals, CaughtOffside
Meanwhile at the desk
Four appearances, none in the league, while United's left-back cover has been Dalot and Heaven in a nine-game winless run. The need is easy to see. A deal is not what these reports establish.
The last senior player to cross directly between the clubs was Hargreaves in 2011, after his United contract expired. These reports do not put a price on it.
