Manchester United target Ait-Nouri and two others as January transfer shortlist takes shape

Manchester United have drawn up a three-man January transfer shortlist that includes Manchester City’s Rayan Ait-Nouri — a player the club turned down just months ago — as the club’s hierarchy concedes that mid-season reinforcements are needed to arrest a poor start to the campaign.

United currently sit 17th in the Premier League after finishing third last season, with manager Michael Carrick under mounting pressure. The club directed its summer spending into midfield, leaving gaps at left-back and centre-forward that have been exposed throughout the opening months of the season.

Ait-Nouri, the Algerian international, has fallen out of favour at the Etihad Stadium and City were willing to let him leave as recently as the summer, when they proposed a loan deal with an obligation to buy. United rejected those terms, preferring not to commit to a permanent arrangement. It would be the first transfer between the two Manchester clubs in 15 years should a deal now materialise.

The left-back position has become a pressing concern because Luke Shaw remains the only recognised option in that role. Shaw’s persistent injury problems have forced Carrick into fielding makeshift solutions, and the club is keen to add genuine cover. Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell is also on the shortlist, though the report notes he sits outside United’s preferred age profile. Mitchell is entering the final six months of his contract at Selhurst Park, which could prompt Palace to cash in during January.

In attack, United have been without Benjamin Sesko for the entire season. Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz has been identified as a short-term fix. The Brazilian has been limited to Carabao Cup appearances at Craven Cottage this term but has a prior relationship with Carrick, who managed him on loan at Middlesbrough.

United’s track record in January windows is a source of concern internally. Previous mid-season loan signings, including Wout Weghorst, failed to make the desired impact, and the club’s well-publicised need for reinforcements risks inflating asking prices from potential sellers.

Director of football Jason Wilcox is overseeing recruitment, and the report indicates that any managerial change would not alter the club’s January plans.