Rayan Ait-Nouri has been left out of Algeria’s squad for their upcoming African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The outcast Manchester City star will now have to oversee another fortnight without any competitive minutes.

United among Ait-Nouri’s suitors this winter

Meanwhile, Manchester United will be keeping a close eye on the situation, as they have set their sights on a move for Ait-Nouri in the January window.

Personal terms are not expected to be an issue between the Red Devils and the 25-year-old, even though it would mean making a shock switch to Old Trafford from the Etihad mid-season.

He is desperate to play more football, having only featured for 168 minutes across all competitions since 2026/2027 got underway.

To make matters worse for Ait-Nouri, zero of those minutes have come in the Premier League, and he has yet to even appear in the competition since Enzo Maresca took charge.

He has been an unused substitute on six occasions and has failed to even make the matchday squad for three games.

Ait-Nouri counting down to January window

United did try with a late-summer approach for Ait-Nouri back in August, but saw their attempts rebuffed by their arch-rivals.

Now that the defender has decided enough is enough and that he wants out, City may feel obliged to green-light a transfer to United.

A source close to Ait-Nouri recently said (as per L’Equipe): “Everything is being done to try and leave this winter. The player remains highly regarded in England and beyond.

“We need to find the best possible solution with Man City. He can’t stay in this situation where his talent is being wasted.”