Manchester United target Rayan Ait-Nouri delivered a quality performance for Wolverhampton Wanderers during the 3-2 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Coventry City on Saturday afternoon.
The Algerian star has had a fine campaign with the Midlands outfit. He has been fancied to pursue a bigger challenge with United among those closely monitoring him.
We have already highlighted why he should be signed by the club this summer and today’s performance against Coventry further showcases his huge talent and potential.
The 22-year-old started from the left wing-back role for Wolves against Coventry. He led the fightback for his club at 1-0 down with the equalising goal before grabbing an assist.
Unfortunately, his contributions were not sufficient for the win. A couple of lapses in concentration by the back three saw Coventry score twice in stoppage time to seal a shock win.
Despite the result, Ait-Nouri looked a cut above the rest. The former Angers man completed 46 out of his 50 passes. He had an impressive accuracy of 92 per cent.
Overall, he had seven shots on goal with two on target. Ait-Nouri also won seven duels, made three clearances and successfully completed three out of five take-ons.
It was a top-class showing from Ait-Nouri despite playing in a wing-back role. In our opinion, he has all the attributes to compete with Luke Shaw for the left-back spot.
Shaw has been injury-prone for the past decade and there are no signs of improvement. The Englishman is currently on the sidelines until the start of May with a muscle issue.
Tyrell Malacia was brought in to support him, but he has not made a single appearance this campaign, having reported for pre-season last summer with a serious knee injury.
United have already started the search for a new left-back, as per Fabrizio Romano. It appears a no-brainer to land Ait-Nouri, who is still young and has room to develop.
The €32 million-rated star has a brilliant fitness record too and has missed just 10 games with injuries since joining Wolves. He would be a serious competitor to Shaw.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
