Enzo Maresca has been accused of having ‘contradicted himself’ over Rayan Aït-Nouri’s lack of minutes for Manchester City this season.

The Algerian currently finds himself as third choice at left-back under the Italian manager. That’s led to him managing just 123 minutes in all competitions this season. He’s yet to feature in the Premier League.

It’s led to questions being asked, particular as Manchester City paid €37m to sign the full-back from Wolves a year ago.

Those questions have this week been directed at Maresca. And his response has left some raising questions.

“In his position, we have Josko Gvardiol, who is fantastic,” Maresca explained.

“We also have Nico O’Reilly, who is fantastic when he’s fit. It’s the same position, so it’s simply a matter of competition between them.”

Questions asked

That’s raised eyebrows at La Gazette du Fennec. They point out that Maresca has contradicted himself when it comes to Aït-Nouri’s lack of minutes.

A few weeks ago, the Italian stated that, in his view, Aït-Nouri is not a full-back, but rather a left-sided midfielder or even a winger. So, logically, he would be competing with the players in that position.

But now the Manchester City manager is talking a very different game. He is claiming that Aït-Nouri isn’t playing because of City’s options at left back. La Gazette say that is a ‘rather muddled line of reasoning’ as far as they’re concerned.

It’s a fair assessment too. Maresca has gone from talking about Aït-Nouri as a midfielder or winger to a left-back in the space of weeks. Perhaps it is that indecision which has left him unable to decide what to do with the player.

Manchester United move?

And the situation is only encouraging transfer talk. Back in September Sport Witness reported how Aït-Nouri was being lined up for an exit after Maresca made a decision on him.

Various reports have followed that since indicating a move is likely in January. One of those insisted that Manchester United are very much considering a deal.

They desperately need a new left-back, a problem which is causing Michael Carrick all kinds of headaches at this moment in time. Reports in England even indicated they tried a move at the end of the window.

Now they could revive their interest in January. It could make sense for all parties too. Aït-Nouri would get the gametime he wants, Manchester City can get rid of a problem temporarily and Maresca won’t have to tie himself up further in knots.