Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Rayan Ait-Nouri over a potential move to Old Trafford in January, according to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The Red Devils have been keen to bring in a left-back since the summer window, when a move for Lewis Hall couldn't be completed and the club instead opted against bringing in an alternative, despite the clear need for strengthening in the position.

Shaw has only managed to make five appearances so far this season due to different injury issues, and with Patrick Dorgu also suffering with injuries, plus Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui struggling for form, it seems as though the club are now looking at options to change the situation in January.

Another player that Man Utd chiefs looked at bringing in was Ait-Nouri on deadline day, with GIVEMESPORT exclusively reporting that contact had been made about a deal.

Both clubs were open to a move, but City wanted to include an obligation to buy clause in any deal, and an agreement couldn't be found. But United are now considering making a move again in the winter window, with the player keen to depart the Etihad Stadium for more regular first-team football.

According to Plettenberg, personal terms would not be an issue with any move, but the rivalry between the clubs remains a factor in talks. However, an exit is being explored by the player's representatives and Man City, with Enzo Maresca having him way down the pecking order.

The Italian manager replaced Pep Guardiola in the summer but has admitted that he views the Algerian as more of a winger than a left-back, which has severely affected his game time in this campaign.

So far this season, the former Wolves star has managed just one start in all competitions, and is yet to feature for a single minute in the Premier League. He has registered three assists in four appearances, however, showing that he can still contribute if given the chance.

Man Utd Can Seal Ait-Nouri Deal Two Years Later Than Planned

When Man Utd appointed Ruben Amorim as manager in 2025, Ait-Nouri was one of the players linked with a move to improve the wing-back position for the Portuguese manager's system.

The club opted for Patrick Dorgu instead, and Ait-Nouri went on to join City the following summer. But the move hasn't really worked out for the 25-year-old, and an exit now looks to be the best solution for all involved.

United are in desperate need of a left-back, and bringing in a player with Champions League and Premier League experience would be a huge help to Michael Carrick, or whoever the manager may be at the time. Dealing with Man City is not something that is done often or easily, but this is a deal that makes sense for everyone, and United would be the ones getting the upside.

Whether he should be the first-choice target is a different matter, and there is no suggestion that he is at this stage, but if a deal is there to be done then INEOS would be crazy not to look into it properly.