The real reason why Man Utd made deadline-day move for €36m star

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Manchester United attempted to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri on deadline day because the Manchester City defender was offered to them, according to David Ornstein.

The Red Devils made a late move to sign Ait-Nouri in the closing stages of the summer transfer window but an agreement could not be reached with Man City.

City were willing to let the 25-year-old left-back leave on loan as long as an obligation-to-buy clause was included in a deal - a demand United rejected.

And now Ornstein understands the prospective deal only came about because United were presented with the chance to sign the Algeria international.

Ornstein, The Athletic’s Football Correspondent, does not disclose who offered Ait-Nouri to United - whether it was the agent of the player or City themselves.

However, United only ever viewed Ait-Nouri as a short-term solution at left-back, hence why they had no interest in pursuing a permanent deal.

United were keen to sign either Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly or Newcastle United's Lewis Hall on a permanent basis but both clubs were unwilling to sell.

Asked about United’s push to sign a left-back this summer, Ornstein told The Athletic FC Podcast: “Yeah, Newcastle’s Lewis Hall was looked at. Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly was looked at as left-back/midfielder.

“There would have been different options right up until deadline day, when they were offered the opportunity to go for Manchester City’s Rayan Ait-Nouri on loan.

“City would have wanted quite a high obligation to buy. United weren’t prepared to do that, because he isn’t seen as their long-term solution in that position, which shows that left-back was a real area of interest.”

Ait-Nouri joined City from Wolverhampton Wanderers for €36million (£31m) in June 2025 but his first season at the Etihad Stadium was disrupted by injury.

He made just 28 appearances in all competitions for the Cityzens in 2025-26.

United looking for new left-back to succeed Shaw

United were linked with several left-backs this summer including Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas and RB Leipzig’s David Raum.

They remain keen to sign a younger, left-sided full-back to succeed Luke Shaw, who turned 31 in July and has just one year left on his contract.

Shaw joined United from Southampton for a reported €34.9m (£30m) in June 2014, becoming the most expensive teenager in world football at the time.

The England international has registered five goals and 31 assists in 328 appearances for United, winning three honours including the 2017 Europa League.

United are looking to return to winning ways when they entertain Brighton and Hove Albion in the third round of the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford this evening.

They have won just one of their opening four games of the new Premier League season and were beaten 1-0 by ten-man City in Sunday’s derby.