According to The Athletic, Manchester United has pulled out of the race to sign Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic this summer.
After losing to Brighton and Hove Albion on the first day of the season, the Red Devils were rumored to be interested in signing the 33-year-old forward. However, Bologna turned down a bid of €8 million for the Austrian international.
The links with the Serbian striker didn’t go well with the Old Trafford crowd, and the United board decided to stay away from a deal rather than making any senseless last-minute signings. As a result of pressure from the fans, United has now abandoned its pursuit of Arnautovic.
Behind the scenes. Bologna expected Manchester United to submit a new bid for Marko Arnautović later this week around €13/14m. But after fans complaints, Man Utd board told Bologna on Tuesday morning that the deal is off. 🔴❌ #MUFC
No chance to discuss again – it's 100% over.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 10, 2022
Bologna’s asking price was one of the reasons why the deal was abandoned. Also, the player’s racist comments in the Euro 2020 and criticism from fans, some of whom wrote the club directly to express their disapproval of their pursuit of the former West Ham United star, blocked a move.
While they continue to pursue Adrien Rabiot of Juventus, United will now focus on other attacking players.
In yet another wild transfer window, United was connected to numerous players but only ended up signing three of them. Erik ten Hag’s key target was Ajax’s Antony, but the Red Devils are reluctant to meet the Eredivisie club’s asking price.
Benjamin Sesko of RB Salzburg was also linked but he is now expected to play for Bundesliga team RB Leipzig next season. Cody Gakpo of PSV Eindhoven, who has recently been linked with a transfer to Old Trafford, maybe a better, younger, and more affordable target for Manchester United.
