Due to many injuries sustained by their full-backs, Manchester United has been forced to play most of the current season without a specialist left-back. Luke Shaw has missed an incredible 36 games due to injury, and Tyrell Malacia has missed the entire season.
Early in the season, things became so bad that Tottenham Hotspur loanee Sergio Reguilon was brought in. Due to a mix of bad form and injuries, he did not stay long. In January, his short-term contract was cancelled, just as the England international was beginning to feel fit again. But that didn’t endure for very long.
Erik ten Hag was forced to play defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and centre-back Victor Lindelof in that position and both struggled, which was expected.
LB crisis at United
The Dutchman has been forced to switch between Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot for the left-back position over the latter stages of the season, and it is anticipated that this will continue for the FA Cup final.
The recently acquired co-owners, INEOS, have determined that this problematic situation must be resolved in the next window, and numerous stars from both England and elsewhere have surfaced as links. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is interested in Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, a Premier League star who Arsenal has long-standing interest in.
The Algerian has reportedly been seen by Chelsea and Manchester City, according to Teamtalk, with the Gunners considering Oleksandr Zinchenko’s replacement.
His experience in the English top-flight, his potential to grow and the resale value he has due to his age are all attractive attributes for the management.
INEOS looking at Ait-Nouri
Ten Hag like having his full-backs charge forward, something Wan-Bissaka has found difficult to accomplish. But Ait-Nouri is not scared of the ball; thus far this season, he has two assists and three goals.
His versatility and ability to play further forward when needed are further qualities that the Dutch manager of United greatly values. According to fbref, the 22-year-old is among the top 1% of full-backs in terms of successful take-on completions, demonstrating his attacking prowess.
Following a successful loan from French club Angers, Wolves paid £10 million for the Algerian international and are now asking £40 million for their full-back.
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