Shock twist: Manchester United make late approach for Rayan Aït Nouri

Manchester City defender has yet to feature this season as United explore a possible late move

Manchester United have reportedly made an approach for Manchester City defender Rayan Aït Nouri in the final hours of the 2026 summer transfer window, although a deal between the two Manchester clubs is considered highly unlikely.

Several English sources have confirmed that United have made inquiries about the Algeria international as the transfer deadline approaches.

However, Manchester City are understood to have little expectation that an agreement with their city rivals will be reached, leaving Aït Nouri’s future uncertain as the transfer window enters its closing stages.

The late approach comes after a difficult beginning to the season for the defender, who has not played a single minute in Manchester City’s first three matches.

United make late inquiry

Manchester United’s interest has emerged unexpectedly with little time remaining before the transfer market closes.

The club have asked about Aït Nouri’s availability, according to several English reports, but there is still no indication that the inquiry will develop into a completed transfer before the deadline.

Manchester City’s position is another major obstacle.

The club reportedly considers an agreement with United to be highly unlikely, making an immediate move across Manchester difficult to achieve.

With the clock running down on the transfer window, Aït Nouri’s situation has therefore become one of the late stories attracting attention.

Aït Nouri yet to feature for City

The Algeria international’s current situation at Manchester City has added to the speculation surrounding his future.

Aït Nouri has struggled to establish himself at the start of the season and has been left without any playing time during City’s opening three matches.

That lack of involvement has now coincided with interest from Manchester United, creating uncertainty over whether his position could change before the window closes.

If no transfer is completed, his situation at City could remain an important factor in future discussions.

Deadline day creates uncertainty

The final hours of a transfer window can produce unexpected developments, and Aït Nouri’s situation has become another example of the uncertainty that can emerge before the deadline.

United’s inquiry has arrived at a late stage, leaving only a short period for the clubs to determine whether there is any possibility of reaching an agreement.

At present, however, a move to Old Trafford appears difficult.

Manchester City’s reported reluctance to do business with United means the chances of a transfer being completed immediately remain limited.

The answer to whether Aït Nouri will make a late move will become clear when the summer transfer window closes.

Future transfer could remain possible

Even if a move to Manchester United does not materialise during the current window, the latest approach could have significance beyond the immediate deadline.

Should Aït Nouri continue to struggle for opportunities at Manchester City, United’s interest could potentially become more relevant in future transfer windows.

For now, though, the Algeria international remains a Manchester City player, with United’s inquiry yet to result in an agreement.

The final hours of the 2026 summer transfer window will determine whether this late twist develops into a completed transfer or remains only an unexpected approach.