Manchester United to battle Manchester City for Rayan Ait-Nouri

According to a report from Foot Mercato (h/t MEN), Manchester United and Manchester City are set to go head to head for the signing of Angers’ defender Rayan Ait-Nouri.

The 19-year-old left-back came through the youth ranks at Paris FC, before making the switch to Angers in 2016. He made his first-team debut for the club in August 2018. But it was only during the 2019/20 campaign that he became a regular at the senior team level.

Ait-Nouri ended the 2019/20 campaign with 17 appearances in Ligue 1, contributing with three assists in the process. The youngster is contracted with the club till 2023, but Angers manager Stephane Moulin has hinted that the full-back could be on his way out. (h/t MEN)

“It’s not sure but there are chances that he will leave so we have to anticipate. He is very well balanced and I think he should end up in a big club.”

Ait-Nouri’s potential has alerted both the Manchester clubs, who are now considering making formal offers to sign the left-back. (h/t MEN)

In Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams, Manchester United have two exciting options for the left-back slot. Shaw, after years of unfulfilled potential, is finally living up to the billing. Williams, on the other hand, has enjoyed a fine breakthrough campaign and looks set for a bright future at the club.

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With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer using Timothy Fosu-Mensah in the full-back slots in recent games, it does seem like we are pretty well-stocked when it comes to the left-back department.

Nevertheless, someone as talented as Ait-Nouri would certainly be a good addition to the club with an eye on the future. However, we will have to face competition from Manchester City. The likes of Atletico Madrid, PSG, Leicester City and Crystal Palace are also interested. (h/t MEN)