Ruben Amorim eyes move for Premier League star as Man Utd boss decides transfer priority

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is said to have set his sights on Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri.

The former Sporting Lisbon boss, 39, oversaw his first game since joining the Red Devils on Sunday, where the scale of the task now ahead of him became clear as United drew 1-1 with Ipswich Town.

It has already been reported that Amorim will be working on a limited budget in January as United try to meet the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. But that does not stop the Portuguese coach from targeting Ait-Nouri.

The 23-year-old Algeria international has been one of the few bright sparks for Wolves this season during their torrid start to the campaign – and it seems that has put some of their top rivals on notice.

According to The Sun, Amorim has made strengthening the left-back role – where United have been short due to injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia – a priority, with Ait-Nouri his favorite target.

The report further claims that Ait-Nouri, who has scored three goals and two assists in the Premier League this season, is open to a move away from Molineux in 2025.

Liverpool have previously expressed interest in the attacking full-back, who has made more than 100 appearances in the top flight since joining Wolves. He is under contract with the club until the summer of 2026.

While it remains to be seen whether United or Wolves would be open to a deal for Ait-Nouri mid-season, he is not the only Premier League star on the Red Devils' radar heading into the winter transfer window.

Last week it emerged that Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is still a target for United, who have seen more than one bid rejected by the Toffees this summer. However, that has not stopped them from signing a new contract at Goodison Park.

Branthwaite is seen as a player who could thrive in Amorim's favored 3-4-3 system, with United open to a move for the player in January due to strong interest elsewhere in his services. However, the centre-back still has three years left on his current contract, leaving Everton in a strong position.