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Manchester United’s lack of a specialist left-back since last season meant former manager Erik ten Hag was forced to use other players in that position.
Last season, centre-back Victor Lindelof and defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat played there, while this season, the Dutchman utilised right-backs Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot in the position along with Lisandro Martinez.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has taken over as interim manager following Ten Hag’s sacking, also played the Argentine World Cup winner in that position against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.
Luke Shaw, who had missed over 30 games last term, has suffered yet another setback in his road to recovery and his return has been delayed further.
LB issues at United
Tyrell Malacia, who had missed the whole of last season, is also yet to regain match-fitness but has been spotted in training with the first team.
Incoming manager Ruben Amorim’s system utilised a left wing-back and Shaw’s poor injury record does not inspire much hope and INEOS are keen to provide the new boss the tools to mount a comeback in the league.
And Givemesport have claimed the Red Devils are set to pursue Wolverhampton Wanderers full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri’s signature in January.
It will not be easy to sign the Algerian with Liverpool also interested while Wolves are also keen to tie down the 23-year-old for the foreseeable future.
“Manchester United are poised to appoint Ruben Amorim as their new boss and the Portuguese tactician could fight off stiff competition from arch-rivals Liverpool to make Wolverhampton Wanderers star Rayan Ait-Nouri the first signing of his Old Trafford reign, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
“But the 23-year-old is at the forefront of Wolves head coach Gary O’Neil’s plans, which led to the West Midlands-based outfit slapping a £60 million price tag on him during the final stages of last season, meaning it will not necessarily be a simple task for Amorim to win the race for his signature.
Amorim eyeing Ait-Nouri
“Manchester United have a more urgent need for Ait-Nouri due to being prepared to alter their style under fresh management, GMS sources have learned, but Liverpool are also in the hunt for an agreement as they are seeking a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson in the aftermath of struggling to deal with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka last weekend.”
His contract with the West Midlands outfit ends in 2026 and the defender is keen to challenge himself at a bigger club and all signs point towards his departure.
But following INEOS’ expenditure on Ten Hag’s severance package and the cost needed to bring Amorim to Old Trafford, a huge war chest is not expected to be provided to Amorim.
The Portuguese could be forced to sell players if he is to raise enough cash for a big-money purchase. Ait-Nouri’s market value currently stands at €35 million according to Transfermarkt.
