Manchester United plot sensational transfer raid for Manchester City left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri

Manchester United under Michael Carrick are facing a major headache on the left flank, with an injury crisis sidelining both Luke Shaw and summer signing Patrick Dorgu. This severe shortage has forced the English tactician into a series of makeshift solutions, leaving the Red Devils' backline in a state of high alert.

Faced with this defensive emergency, the INEOS hierarchy have drawn up an incredibly bold transfer plan ahead of the January 2027 window. Specifically, the Old Trafford outfit are plotting a sensational raid on local rivals Manchester City to sign left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri, who has fallen completely out of favour at the Etihad under Enzo Maresca.

United's left-back crisis and a lifeline for Aït-Nouri

Luke Shaw's persistent injury nightmare, compounded by a hamstring issue for new recruit Patrick Dorgu, has left Manchester United backed into a corner. Manager Michael Carrick has been forced to rely on risky stopgap measures, such as deploying Diogo Dalot out of position at left-back or putting his faith in youngster Ayden Heaven.

At the other end of the city, Rayan Aït-Nouri is enduring a bleak spell at the Etihad. Once a key figure under Pep Guardiola, the 25-year-old Algerian defender has been completely frozen out by Enzo Maresca, failing to register a single minute of Premier League action this season. Deeply frustrated after a proposed move to United collapsed in the summer of 2026, the former Wolves star is determined to secure a January 2027 exit to revive his career.

The €40m hurdle and the fierce Manchester rivalry

The financial crux of the deal hinges on an estimated €40 million price tag, a fee that would allow Manchester City to recoup most of the £37 million they paid Wolves for Aït-Nouri in 2025. On the player's side, personal terms are not expected to be a major hurdle, with respected journalists Florian Plettenberg and Graeme Bailey both confirming the Algerian left-back is ready to cross the Manchester divide to join Old Trafford.

However, the ultimate hurdle lies at the negotiating table due to the historic and deep-seated rivalry between the two Manchester clubs. Brokering a direct transfer between these bitter rivals is notoriously complex, meaning the INEOS board will need to pull off a masterclass in diplomacy to break the deadlock.

Editorial Verdict

A move for Rayan Aït-Nouri is undoubtedly the perfect tactical solution for Manchester United, offering Michael Carrick a definitive fix to his left-back crisis. However, turning this target into reality remains a massive diplomatic headache for the INEOS hierarchy.

The biggest obstacle is neither the price tag nor personal terms, but the fierce, historic rivalry dividing the red and blue halves of Manchester. Will City really sanction a move that strengthens their bitter rivals, or can INEOS's negotiating prowess secure a historic transfer breakthrough? The outcome could well shift the balance of power in the Premier League during the second half of the season.