Overview
- United made a late Deadline Day approach for Manchester City full‑back Rayan Aït‑Nouri but City rebuffed the enquiry to avoid strengthening a direct rival.
- Earlier in the summer United had targeted Newcastle’s Lewis Hall but Newcastle stood firm and reportedly moved to secure his long‑term future.
- Manchester City intend to keep Aït‑Nouri beyond January and Enzo Maresca has signalled he will deploy the player across competitions this season.
- United opened the window focused on midfield and only turned decisively to the left‑back spot late, leaving Luke Shaw as first choice while the club seeks a long‑term successor.
- The failed moves leave United to reassess targets for the 2027 window, with Newcastle’s contract actions likely to raise Hall’s price and City expected to resist any repeat approach for Aït‑Nouri.