Manchester United’s left-back position remains one of the areas that needs attention.

Luke Shaw has been Michael Carrick’s first-choice option on the left, but his history of fitness problems continues to make the position a concern at Old Trafford.

The 31-year-old made 38 Premier League appearances last season, his first season in which he featured in every league match, but has already been forced out of the side this season with a muscular injury.

Patrick Dorgu was expected to provide another option after arriving from Lecce in January 2025, although Carrick has increasingly used the Dane in a more advanced role.

Dorgu has also been recovering from a hamstring problem, while Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are among the players who can fill in on the left when required.

United therefore entered the season without signing a specialist senior alternative to Shaw, despite considering several targets during the summer window.

Manchester United eager to sign Manchester City defender in January 2027 window

Rayan Ait-Nouri has now emerged as a potential option once again, with Manchester United reportedly interested in revisiting their pursuit of the Manchester City defender ahead of January.

According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg on X, the Algeria international is one to watch during the winter transfer window and is open to leaving the Etihad Stadium.

United are among the Premier League clubs said to be keen on signing him, while personal terms are not expected to present a major obstacle.

However, any deal would be complicated by the rivalry between the two Manchester clubs.

United actually explored a move for Rayan Ait-Nouri on deadline day in September, after the defender’s representatives made contact.

The Red Devils asked City about a possible loan, but were informed that their neighbours would only consider an arrangement containing an obligation to buy.

United were unwilling to commit to a permanent transfer and subsequently ended their interest.

Ait-Nouri joined City from Wolverhampton Wanderers in June 2025 for an initial fee reported to be around £31.8 million, signing a five-year contract.

He had established himself as one of the Premier League’s more attack-minded full-backs at Wolves, where he made 157 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 17 assists.

His final season at Molineux was particularly productive, with 11 goal contributions in the league.

His time at City has been less straightforward.

Nico O’Reilly’s emergence and competition from Josko Gvardiol have restricted his opportunities, with Ait-Nouri making only four appearances in all competitions this season.

Despite starting just once, he has registered three assists, showing the attacking quality that could appeal to United.

A January move would give United another experienced Premier League option and reduce their reliance on Shaw remaining fit.

🚨🆕 Rayan Aït-Nouri, one to watch in the winter transfer window.

The 25 y/o left-back is open to leaving Manchester City.

Understand Manchester United would like to sign him. Personal terms are not an issue. #MCFC #MUFC

The main issue is the relationship between the two Manchester clubs. Aït-Nouri’s market is currently being explored.

@SkySportDE 🇩🇿

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 3, 2026