Manchester United explored a deadline-day move for Manchester City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri but pulled out after City insisted any loan carry an obligation to buy, according to Sky Sports.
United were offered the chance to sign the Algeria international before the window shut, with City boss Enzo Maresca understood to be open to the 25-year-old’s exit after he failed to feature for the club so far this season. Alas, the structure City wanted made the deal a non-starter.
Sky Sports names the sticking point
According to Sky Sports, United were made aware Ait-Nouri was potentially available, but when talks opened on Monday afternoon it quickly became clear City would only sanction a season-long loan if a compulsory purchase clause was attached. United, Sky reported, were not interested in a permanent deal because they remain focused on pursuing long-term targets next summer.
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A busy, ultimately fruitless deadline day
Ait-Nouri was the last of a string of left-back names United looked at on Monday. Earlier reports linked the Reds with a loan for Jorge Salinas and a shock approach for Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, while Harry Amass’ proposed departure from Carrington also fell through before the window closed.
United’s Balde pursuit collapsed for similar reasons
Amass’ exit talk explained after deadline-day U-turn
| Target | Type of Move | Outcome | Reason Cited |
| Jorge Salinas | Loan | Did not proceed | Not detailed |
| Alejandro Balde | Loan/permanent interest | Did not proceed | Barcelona stance |
| Harry Amass | Outgoing loan | Blocked | Squad decision |
| Rayan Ait-Nouri | Loan with obligation to buy | Rejected by United | City wanted permanent commitment |
Why Lewis Hall still matters
The refusal to sanction a permanent Ait-Nouri deal ties directly back to Lewis Hall. INEOS still plan to go back in for the Newcastle full-back next summer after the Magpies refused to sell their talisman this window, and committing long-term money to a City reject would have muddied that pursuit.
For now, Michael Carrick has to make do with Luke Shaw, who has struggled for form so far this season. It remains to be seen whether Shaw’s performances force United’s hand before next summer, but for now the club’s left-back rebuild stays parked until the Hall situation is revisited.