Bologna director reveals Marko Arnautovic snubbed Manchester United move in the recent transfer window
Manchester United did not withdraw from the race for Marko Arnautovic in the recent transfer window, according to Bologna director Marco Di Vaio. Instead, it was the Austrian who snubbed the Red Devils.
The Red Devils were interested in signing Arnautovic in the summer of 2022. However, fans were not happy with the club’s decision to pursue the 33-year-old. And in the end, the Austrian did not get a move to the Old Trafford side.
Speaking to Il Corriere Dello Sport via Football Italia (h/t Manchester Evening News), Di Vaio revealed United were indeed in the race for Arnautovic. And the Red Devils did not withdraw from a move. It was the Austrian who decided to stay with the Italian outfits.
“United didn’t retire from the race because of their fans, but only because Arnautovic understood how important he was for Bologna’s project.”
United were seemingly looking to bolster their forward line in the recent transfer window. Erik ten Hag was looking to add to his attacking numbers.
However, in the end, only Antony was signed from Ajax. The Brazilian reunited with the Dutch manager in Manchester. But the Old Trafford side had to pay a hefty price to secure his signature.
Aranautovic was an option United considered. Last season, the Austrian had 15 goals in 35 appearances in all competitions for Bologna.
The 33-year-old has also started the 2022/23 campaign in fine form. In seven Serie A appearances, the Austrian has scored six goals for the Italian outfit.
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However, Arnautovic is someone known for his spells with Stoke City and West Ham in England. The 33-year-old is not someone held in high regard in terms of his goal scoring abilities by Premier League fans.
Ten Hag has successfully revived the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho. The two look to be back to their best selves. And the Dutch manager has kept Cristiano Ronaldo mostly on the bench. So, it does not seem that the Red Devils required another striker this season.