Sources: Man United's deadline-day move for 25-yr-old blocked

Man United had no chance of signing Rayan Ait-Nouri on Deadline Day as Man City were not keen to let him join a rival club, sources have told Football Insider.

The Red Devils' well-documented summer search for a left-back, 25, yielded few results as Deadline Day loomed last week.

Newcastle stood firm against their interest in Lewis Hall as Michael Carrick seemed resigned to heading into the campaign without a new signing in the position.

United then made a surprise late play to sign Man City defender Ait-Nouri, but saw their enquiry rebuffed by their rivals.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, the Citizens had no plans to let any of their players join United in the summer window.

City also want Ait-Nouri to stay at the club past the January window, with Enzo Maresca planning to utilise him in several competitions this season.

Rayan Ait-Nouri to Man United was never going to happen

Ait-Nouri has a part to play under the Italian this season as the only recognised left-back in the City squad.

He impressed off the bench in midweek with an assist in their Champions League win at Porto, playing in an unfamiliar left-wing role.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "There were some links with Manchester United on deadline day, but that was never going to go anywhere because I don't think Manchester City were willing to let him leave, especially to a rival like Manchester United as well.

"He will be needed at left-back this season, there's no doubt about that, because obviously they've used Nico O'Reilly there, but he's also been used in midfield, and then they've got Gvardiol too, who's probably best at centre-back."

Bruno Fernandes keen to sign new Man United contract

United can turn their attention to several different contract situations now that the transfer window is shut for another few months.

Club captain Fernandes has proven himself as Carrick's most important player in the last 12 months, winning the PFA Player of the Year award for his performances last season.

He is rapidly approaching the end of his contract in June next year, but sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Fernandes is keen to sign a new United contract.

They are planning to trigger his automatic one-year extension option then offer him a longer term deal.