Bologna's Director of Football Marco Di Vaio has revealed that Manchester United asked 'directly' about their attacker Marko Arnautovic in the summer transfer window.
The Reds were linked with a move for the Austrian international and reportedly had a bid of £7.6m bid rejected for the former West Ham and Stoke City forward. The player was wanted by manager Erik ten Hag, but a number of United fans contacted the club to complain about the prospect of Arnautovic playing for the Reds.
Several former United stars also privately expressed concerns about the potential transfer. However, the club were expected to go back in with an improved offer, but ultimately decided to move on to other targets.
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Bologna's asking price for the attacker was believed to be more than what United were prepared to pay. Instead, the Reds opted to focus on Ajax star Antony and secured a deal rising to €100million (£85.5m) for the Brazilian forward - who scored on his debut in the 3-1 victory over Arsenal earlier this month.
While the specific reason for United deciding against pursuing a deal for Arnautovic remains unclear, Bologna chief Di Vaio has insisted that the move failing to materialise had nothing to do with the uproar from unhappy Reds supporters once news of the club's interest became public.
In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, Di Vaio claimed that the Reds backed away from the deal because Arnautovic knew that he would not be allowed to leave the Serie A club.
"No, no. Manchester United did not back down because of those fans, but only because Arnautovic has understood that he is at the centre of our project now and in the coming years," said Di Vaio.
"Marko behaved like a true champion, realising what he represents for Bologna as a team and a city."
Arnautovic has enjoyed an impressive start to the season for Bologna, with the 33-year-old registering six goals and one assist in his first eight appearances.
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