Manchester United have withdrawn their interest in signing Marko Arnautovic from Bologna this summer.
It emerged on Sunday that United were open to signing Arnautovic. United submitted a bid of €8million, which was rejected, for the forward, who only returned to Europe last year after two years with the Chinese Super League team Shanghai Port.
Arnautovic, 33, has played for Werder Bremen, Stoke City, West Ham and United's interest in his signature was mocked by supporters on social media. The Manchester Evening News understands backlash to United's interest in the player is understood to be a contributing factor in the club withdrawing their enquiries, while Bologna's valuation of Arnautovic was also a stumbling block.
ALSO READ: Joel Glazer's broken promise might have condemned Ten Hag to failure.
United considered Arnautovic as a pragmatic, short-term option to support the starting forwards and an ideal character for a dressing room still struggling for self-belief after last season. United also considered him an ideal character for a dressing room.
However, doubts about Arnautovic had been expressed, with the player insisting he was 'not a racist' after he celebrated scoring at Euro 2020. It was alleged he used an anti-Albanian slur and UEFA handed him a one-game ban following an investigation.
The Manchester Evening News revealed last week that United accept they are "light" up front following the departures of attack-minded players Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Edinson Cavani.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial are the only recognised centre-forwards at the club and the latter is currently injured.
READ MORE:
