Rayan Ait-Nouri open to leaving Manchester City amid Manchester United interest

Manchester City defender Rayan Ait-Nouri could leave the club during the January transfer window, with Manchester United among several clubs monitoring his situation.

The Algeria international has struggled to establish himself at the Etihad Stadium since joining City from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2025 for an initial fee believed to be £31.8m.

Ait-Nouri initially made a positive impression under Pep Guardiola, particularly during the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States and the opening stages of the 2025/26 campaign. However, his opportunities have gradually decreased following the emergence of Nico O’Reilly as City’s preferred option at left-back.

O’Reilly enjoyed an outstanding season in the position, establishing himself as an important member of the England national team under Thomas Tuchel. His performances were also recognised at the end of the 2025/26 campaign when he received the PFA Young Player of the Season award.

There were expectations among some City supporters that a change in management, with Enzo Maresca taking charge, could offer Ait-Nouri an opportunity to revive his career at the club.

However, the 25-year-old has continued to find regular football difficult to come by. Josko Gvardiol and O’Reilly have remained ahead of him in the left-back pecking order, leaving the Algerian defender facing an uncertain future.

His limited involvement has increased speculation about a possible departure, particularly after he considered leaving the club towards the end of the summer transfer window.

Manchester United interested in Ait-Nouri

According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Ait-Nouri is “a player to watch” ahead of the January transfer window, with the defender reportedly “open” to leaving Manchester City.

Manchester United are among the clubs showing interest in the Algerian, with the report stating that the Old Trafford side “would like to recruit him”.

Personal terms are not expected to present a major difficulty in any potential move. However, a transfer between the two Manchester rivals could prove complicated.

The relationship between Manchester City and Manchester United has been identified as the “main obstacle” that could prevent the deal from progressing.

Ait-Nouri’s limited playing time at Manchester City

The defender’s uncertain future has been largely influenced by his lack of involvement in Maresca’s squad this season.

Ait-Nouri has made just four appearances across all competitions, having frequently missed out on selection for City’s matchday squads.

Despite his limited opportunities, the 25-year-old has managed to register three assists for the Premier League side. He has featured both at left-back and further forward as a left winger.

His four appearances have come in the Carabao Cup and UEFA Champions League, with the defender struggling to secure a regular starting position.

Ait-Nouri’s only start came in City’s 5-0 victory over Norwich City in the League Cup. He subsequently appeared as a substitute against Brighton & Hove Albion in the following round, before featuring from the bench in Champions League matches against FC Porto and AEK Athens.

With the January transfer window approaching, the Algerian defender’s situation at Manchester City is one to monitor, particularly with Manchester United reportedly interested in securing his services.