Wolves host Manchester City for their opening game of the 2025/26 season, in what is their first time coming against Rayan Ait-Nouri since his departure.
After spending an incredible five years at Molineux, Ait-Nouri completed his transfer to Manchester City earlier in June, becoming the second big-money sale out of Wolves in 2025 after Matheus Cunha joined Manchester United.
Ait-Nouri established himself as one of the best wing-backs in the Premier League under Vitor Pereira, and, unlike Cunha, left with the best wishes of Wolves fans.
The 24-year-old now has an opportunity to become a world-class wing-back under Pep Guardiola at Man City, where he’ll have the chance to win several trophies.
To show what an incredible person he is, Ait-Nouri sent an emotional message to Wolves fans after leaving, and now, he will come against his former side in the first game of the season.
- READ MORE: Vitor Pereira look away, Wolves’ toughest run in 2025/26 Premier League fixtures revealed
Manchester City fans react to Wolves coming up against Rayan Ait-Nouri
As Wolves’ Premier League fixtures were announced on Wednesday, it was a bittersweet moment after drawing Manchester City in their opening match.
Pereira’s men host the Citizens at Molineyx on August 16, with supporters no doubt keeping a close eye on how Ait-Nouri performs in City colours.
Ait-Nouri impressed Micah Richards when the two sides met in May, and now, Man City fans have reacted to Wolves being drawn as their first match.
“What a game for Ait-Nouri,” one fan wrote while another replied: “Ait-Nouri masterclass”.
“Ait Nouri about to dunk on these man,” someone else commented.
“Oh Ait-Nouri and Nunes better be ready,” another pointed out, with Wolves fans previously booing Matheus Nunes after how he left the club.
“Lol Ait-Nouri is gonna cook his previous teammate,” a sixth said.
- READ MORE: Wolves fans learn when Matheus Cunha will return to Molineux as 2025/26 fixtures announced
Wolves record against Manchester City makes for grim reading
Wolves will want to get one over on Ait-Nouri after watching him leave the club, though previous history suggests that looks a difficult challenge.
In the 2024/25 campaign, the Old Gold were winless in their opening 10 matches, which included a last-gasp defeat against the Citizens.
Unfortunately, Wolves have lost nine of their last 10 meetings with City, and that doesn’t fill any with confidence heading into the game.
| Date | Fixture | W/D/L | Scoreline |
| 21 Sep 2020 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City | L | 1-3 |
| 02 Mar 2021 | Manchester City v Wolverhampton Wanderers | L | 4-1 |
| 11 Dec 2021 | Manchester City v Wolverhampton Wanderers | L | 1-0 |
| 11 May 2022 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City | L | 1-5 |
| 17 Sep 2022 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City | L | 0-3 |
| 22 Jan 2023 | Manchester City v Wolverhampton Wanderers | L | 3-0 |
| 30 Sep 2023 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City | W | 2-1 |
| 04 May 2024 | Manchester City v Wolverhampton Wanderers | L | 5-1 |
| 20 Oct 2024 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City | L | 1-2 |
| 02 May 2025 | Manchester City v Wolverhampton Wanderers | L | 1-0 |
That being said, perhaps a strong summer transfer window can increase their chances of going there and claiming victory.