Manchester United have ended their pursuit to sign Bologna forward Marko Arnautovic, reports The Athletic. The Red Devils had a bid of around £6.8 million rejected by the Serie A club for the Austrian forward.
Manchester United End Marko Arnautovic Interest
Manchester United have pulled out of a move for Marko Arnautovic, The Athletic understands… #MUFC
More from @lauriewhitwellhttps://t.co/E5ciQdIkcH
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) August 9, 2022
Major Fan Complaints Results in Arnautovic’s Chase Being Ended
Once it was clear that the Red Devils were eager to sign the 33-year-old, it caused an outrage among the fanbase. The club received a barrage of complaints from their own supporters asking them not to move forward with the deal.
The Athletic also adds that a United supporter of North Macedonian descent wrote to the Manchester side about how signing Arnautovic would look with their anti-discrimination policies. The Austrian forward came under fire last year when he abused a North Macedonia player in their Euro 2020 group stage game.
Read More: Manchester United Pursuit for Adrien Rabiot Disrupted by Player’s Side
Many fans even mailed their grievances to the club’s CEO Richard Arnold, directly. All this caused the Red Devils to end their pursuit of the forward, despite Erik ten Hag wanting to work with him.
Arnautovic also wanted the move personally, but Bologna weren’t keen on letting him go and now the Premier League side have abandoned their interest in the controversial player who was once called ‘a snake’ by West Ham United fans.
Manchester United won’t sign Marko Arnautović this summer. Deal off and talks will not continue after opening bid turned down by Bologna. ⛔️🔴 #MUFC
Arnautović wanted the move but Man Utd decided internally against the deal. First call, @lauriewhitwell – it’s confirmed. pic.twitter.com/WVyb143znZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 9, 2022
United Set to Move On Other Deals
After a disappointing start to the Premier League season, which saw them lose their opening game to Brighton & Hove Albion, the Manchester giants are focusing on securing other targets. They are currently negotiating a move for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot after agreeing a fee in principle with the Serie A club.
The Athletic also claim that the Red Devils are now focused on turning their attentions towards other attacking targets. Ten Hag is desperate to sign a new forward after being short of options right now. United are reportedly eager to sign PSV forward Cody Gakpo after being priced out of a move for Ajax winger Antony.
Read More: Manchester United Make Opening Bid for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
They have signed three players so far in the summer transfer window, which includes Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord, Christian Eriksen on a free deal as well as Lisandro Martinez from Ajax.
