Manchester United Plan New Luke Shaw Contract as Rayan Ait-Nouri Transfer Link Emerges

Manchester United are preparing to offer Luke Shaw a fresh contract while keeping tabs on Manchester City’s Rayan Ait-Nouri ahead of the January window, according to TEAMtalk.

Luke Shaw’s Contract Situation at Old Trafford

Shaw’s current deal runs out at the end of the season, yet the club reportedly see him as a key figure in their long-term thinking. The defender arrived from Southampton for £27 million in 2014 and has since spent more than a decade in the first team.

Fitness has been the recurring concern. Shaw featured in all 38 league games last term, his most durable campaign for years, but he has been sidelined again this season. He missed the draw with Leeds United, the Champions League defeat at Como and the home fixture with Bournemouth.

Why United Want Another Left-Back

United explored left-back options last summer but failed to land one. Another search is expected in January, with the aim of adding competition and cover rather than replacing Shaw.

Is Rayan Ait-Nouri Gettable in January?

The Algeria international was reportedly on United’s radar late in the summer window, though a deal was never considered realistic. Things may have shifted since. Ait-Nouri has yet to play a Premier League minute this season and has barely featured in Europe under Enzo Maresca, so a loan exit is being speculated about.

United are said to be ready to act should his situation at the Etihad deteriorate further.

Our Take

Offering Shaw a new deal looks sensible given his quality when fit, but his injury record makes a second left-back essential. Ait-Nouri would be an intriguing option, although signing from a direct rival is rarely straightforward.