Former Manchester United player Quinton Fortune is pushing his old club to consider a move for Manchester City's versatile youngster, Nico O'Reilly, to bolster their left-back options.
The 21-year-old has been a revelation for City, smoothly transitioning from midfield to become a reliable full-back capable of handling the rigors of Premier League football. Fortune sees O'Reilly as a potentially perfect fit for United, especially given the team's current lack of depth on the left side of defense.
Speaking to Football365, Fortune acknowledged the potential fan reaction to a direct transfer from rivals City but highlighted O'Reilly's exceptional talent. "Players coming directly from City, I don’t know how United fans would take that! But they have wonderful players. Number one I’d say Nico O’Reilly at left-back is brilliant, he can cover center-back and midfield, similar to John O’Shea,” he explained.
While Luke Shaw remains the established senior option, Manchester United needs to plan for the future of the left-back role. Shaw's injury history at Old Trafford presents a significant risk, even after a more consistent 2025/26 season. Relying heavily on him for another demanding campaign would be a gamble.
O'Reilly, on the other hand, has already proven his mettle at the Premier League level. His emergence at City is particularly noteworthy as left-back wasn't his initial position. Initially a midfielder, Pep Guardiola's experiment with him at full-back has paid off handsomely, with his strength, pace, and defensive capabilities earning him a regular starting spot.
For United, O'Reilly would offer more than just depth; his versatility could unlock greater tactical flexibility. Coupled with his young age, he could represent a long-term solution for the left flank. Despite his City ties, his proven Premier League experience and ongoing development make him a player United should seriously track.
