Manchester City supporters have reacted strongly to Rayan Ait-Nouri being left out of the squad for the Manchester derby, with many now demanding that Enzo Maresca give the Algerian a chance against Norwich in the Carabao Cup.
Ait-Nouri was not included in City’s 20-man squad for the trip to Old Trafford. However, the decision was not linked to an injury. The defender was reportedly omitted for tactical reasons, leaving supporters questioning his current position in Maresca’s plans.
The timing has made the situation even more interesting.
Ait-Nouri’s future had already been the subject of speculation before the derby after Manchester United explored the possibility of signing him on deadline day. That move did not happen, with City understood to have wanted a loan arrangement with an obligation to buy rather than simply allowing the player to leave temporarily.
Now, with City preparing to face Norwich in the Carabao Cup, supporters want answers.
Man City fans demand Ait-Nouri starts against Norwich
The reaction to the City Xtra post was overwhelmingly focused on one simple request: play Ait-Nouri.
One supporter wrote: “He has to start.”
That comment received significant engagement, reflecting the growing feeling among sections of the fanbase that the Algerian deserves a genuine opportunity to prove himself.
Another fan was even more direct, saying: “He should start.”
Others expressed a similar view, with comments including “Hope he plays” and “I hope he gets 90 minutes.”
For supporters watching Ait-Nouri’s situation develop, the Carabao Cup represents the obvious opportunity.
If Maresca views him primarily as an attacking player rather than a conventional full-back, as has been suggested, Norwich could provide an ideal environment to test that idea. The manager has previously indicated that he sees Ait-Nouri as more of a winger because of his experience playing as a wing-back at Wolves.
That tactical flexibility could be important.
“When Doku comes in. It’s hard”
Not every supporter believes Ait-Nouri’s situation is entirely mysterious.
One fan pointed towards the competition for places, writing: “When Doku comes in. It’s hard.”
That comment highlights one of the biggest challenges facing Ait-Nouri.
Manchester City’s squad contains several players capable of operating in attacking areas. Jeremy Doku provides direct running and one-on-one ability, while other options can also occupy wide positions.
Maresca therefore has difficult decisions to make.
Ait-Nouri’s qualities are different. He can carry the ball forward, attack space and provide width, but the manager appears to be assessing where his skill set fits best within City’s new tactical structure.
That does not necessarily mean the player has fallen completely out of favour.
However, supporters are understandably asking why a player who was not allowed to leave permanently or on a straightforward loan is now struggling to make matchday squads.
“Why is Maresca treating the player this way?”
One of the strongest reactions came from RAFE, who questioned the logic behind the situation.
The supporter asked why Maresca would prevent Ait-Nouri from leaving and then leave him out of the squad, particularly while younger players are being selected.
That frustration was echoed by others.
Another supporter described the situation as “very disappointing”, while another simply called the decision “BS.”
The criticism is less about one individual team selection and more about what it could mean for Ait-Nouri’s season.
If City believe he has a future at the club, supporters want to see evidence of that.
A player who remains at the Etihad needs meaningful opportunities to establish himself. Otherwise, questions about whether a transfer would have been better for everyone will continue.
Ait-Nouri’s situation is more complicated than it looks
There is, however, another side to the argument.
Ait-Nouri has not simply been ignored without explanation.
His position has become complicated because Nico O’Reilly has emerged as a serious option on the left side. The youngster’s performances have given Maresca another solution, while City’s tactical setup can change depending on the opponent.
Ait-Nouri also arrived at City with a reputation for attacking from the left.
That makes his role particularly interesting under Maresca.
The manager’s assessment that Ait-Nouri can compete with the wingers rather than only the full-backs could eventually open another route into the starting XI.
That would explain why simply describing him as a left-back understudy may not tell the whole story.
There is also evidence that Ait-Nouri can make an attacking difference.
In City’s Champions League victory at Porto, he came off the bench and assisted Erling Haaland for City’s second goal after being introduced in a more advanced position.
That contribution should not be overlooked.
Fans fear Ait-Nouri could leave
Perhaps the biggest concern in the reaction was the number of supporters already predicting an exit.
One fan wrote: “Damn he’s leaving soon.”
Another simply said: “He should just leave.”
An Algerian supporter was even more emphatic, writing in French that Ait-Nouri should leave City because the situation is no longer acceptable.
These comments show how quickly uncertainty can turn into transfer speculation.
Only weeks after United explored a move for him, Ait-Nouri now finds himself outside the squad for a major Premier League fixture.
That naturally creates questions.
Would another club offer him regular football?
Would City reconsider their stance in the next transfer window?
Or could Maresca still turn the situation around by giving him a consistent run of games?
For now, none of those questions has a definitive answer.
Norwich could be the perfect opportunity
The Carabao Cup match against Norwich now takes on extra significance for Ait-Nouri.
Supporters are clearly expecting him to feature, and many want him to start rather than receive a short cameo.
A full match would allow the Algerian to show Maresca exactly what he can offer.
It would also give supporters a chance to judge whether the manager’s tactical vision can accommodate him.
The pressure, however, should not be exaggerated.
One Carabao Cup appearance will not necessarily determine Ait-Nouri’s future at Manchester City.
But it could be an important step.
If he starts and performs well, the conversation could change quickly. Strong attacking numbers, aggressive ball carrying and an effective understanding with City’s forwards could give Maresca another option for Premier League and Champions League matches.
That is exactly what many supporters want to see.
“So he’s a cup player now?”
One of the most revealing comments came from a fan who asked:
“So he’s a cup player now.. smh.”
That question captures the wider frustration.
City supporters do not necessarily expect Ait-Nouri to start every important match. Competition at a club of City’s level is inevitable.
What they want is a clear pathway.
If he is being developed as an attacking option, play him there.
If he remains part of the defensive rotation, give him opportunities at left-back.
If Maresca believes another player is better suited to the role, then the manager must eventually make that decision clear.
For now, uncertainty is driving the reaction.
The ball is now in Ait-Nouri’s court
Ultimately, Ait-Nouri has an opportunity to change the conversation.
The Algerian cannot control Maresca’s team selections. He can, however, control what happens when he gets onto the pitch.
If he gets his chance against Norwich, the ideal response is performance rather than frustration.
City supporters have already shown that they want to see him succeed.
The comments “He should start,” “Hope he plays” and “I hope he gets 90 minutes” demonstrate that there is still plenty of goodwill towards the player.
The bigger question is whether Maresca sees the same potential.
Ait-Nouri’s Manchester City career has entered an intriguing period. He stayed at the club despite transfer interest, then missed the Manchester derby despite being fit.
Now Norwich offers the potential reset.
If he starts, performs and takes his opportunity, the narrative could change dramatically.
If he remains unused or receives another limited role, the calls for him to leave could become even louder.
For now, City fans have made their position clear: they want to see Rayan Ait-Nouri play.
And after the controversy surrounding his omission from the Manchester United squad, Thursday’s Carabao Cup clash could be one of the most important opportunities of his Manchester City season.
