Manchester United fans were left celebrating a “rare win” as the club withdrew their interest in Marko Arnautovic.
United had submitted an €8million to Bologna as they looked to bolster their attacking options. The offer was rejected by the Italian club, with officials stating their belief that Arnautovic would be staying put.
The 33-year-old was seen as a short-term option to support United’s current forwards, with Erik ten Hag and Steve McClaren having worked with him before at Twente. The Reds though have now ended their interest.
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The Manchester Evening News understands backlash to the interest in Arnautovic was a contributing factor to the decision to withdraw their enquiries. Fans had ridiculed United’s attempts to try and land the former Stoke and West Ham forward when the news emerged on Sunday.
Bologna’s valuation was also seen as a stumbling block, with doubts also expressed by supporters after Arnautovic was given a one-game ban after allegedly using an anti-Albanian slur at Euro 2020. The player insisted after the incident he was ‘not a racist’.
United fans though have got their wish, with the club no longer pursuing a move for the forward. And the news went down well on social media, giving supporters a reason to celebrate after a dour couple of days.
Despite the celebrations, United remain light up front, and will likely have to explore other options. Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial are the only recognised centre-forwards at the club, with Christian Eriksen playing as a false nine in Sunday’s defeat to Brighton in the latter’s absence through injury.
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