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Wolverhampton Wanderers have endured a difficult 2024/25 season so far, however left back Rayan Ait-Nouri has been one of the few shining lights in a side that has struggled to hit form this campaign.
The 23-year-old has been a standout performer at Molineux and may be the ideal candidate for Ruben Amorim, as the United boss looks to add a left-sided defender to his squad.
Ait-Nouri has shown his attacking talent from the back so far this season, with his ability to create chances resulting in him providing five assists in the Premier League to date.
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The Algeria international also comes with the added bonus that he is comfortable in front of goal, having netted three times in the league for a Wolves side that has struggled to score consistently this season.
United currently lack a player that is naturally attributed to play on the left hand side, with consistent injuries to Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw, resulting in Diogo Dalot being shoe horned onto the opposite flank of which he is best suited to.
Ait-Nouri would slot comfortably into Amorim’s system with the Algerian already having played in a left wing-back role consistently at Molineux, making him one of the few available options that has regularly appeared in the position that the Portuguese coach aspires to gain some natural aptitude in.
Another left sided player that has been touted for a potential switch to Old Trafford is 29-year-old Ferland Mendy, whose contract expires in the upcoming summer.
However, the Frenchman has rarely been used in a role that is similar to the one that Ruben Amorim requires which may make his potential signing on a free transfer one that has its sticking points with United ideally looking for a defender that is a true fit for the coach’s system.
In the potential event of Wolves’ relegation from the Premier League, United may be able to secure Ait-Nouri’s signing at a cut-price with the Algerian’s contract expiring in 2026 also being a factor of consideration when sizing-up the move.
Bayern Munich left back, Alphonso Davies has also been linked with a move to United with the Canadian’s current deal at the Bavarian side expiring this year.
Despite the potential lack of a transfer fee for Davies, it has been reported that the player would have wage demands of over £200,000 a week, a factor that may discourage United from opting to chase for the signing of the 24-year-old.
Premier League proven Ait-Nouri appears to be the best option available for Ruben Amorim on the basis of his current contract situation as well as his stellar performances for Wolves this season.