Deadline day of the season

Manchester United have made an approach to Manchester City over a deal for Rayan Ait-Nouri, according to reports.

Michael Carrick's team made eleventh-hour deadline day contact with City regarding a potential transfer for the left-back, but the Blues were not interested in selling the Algeria international.

Ait-Nouri only arrived at City last summer and has turned out 31 times since his Etihad arrival. He has been left on the bench for City's wins over Bournemouth and Crystal Palace in the Premier League, and is yet to feature under Enzo Maresca this season.

A prolonged pursuit

United have been in the market to sign a new left-back all summer but have been unable to reach an agreement with Newcastle United over a deal for their first-choice target Lewis Hall.

Barcelona's 22-year-old left-back Alejandro Balde has also been considered by United, but United were solely interested in a loan deal.

The next generation

Nico O'Reilly has cemented his status as City's preferred left-back option and excelled in the role. Josko Gvardiol has featured in the opening two fixtures of this campaign in that spot with O'Reilly deployed in midfield.

Conclusion

Michael Carrick insists he is 'pleased' with United's transfer activity this summer, despite their inability to sign a new left-back.