Manchester United fans were left celebrating a “rare win” as the club withdrew their interest in Marko Arnautovic. United had submitted an €8million to Bologna as they looked to bolster their attacking options.
The offer was rejected by the Italian club, with officials stating their belief that Arnautovic would be staying put. The 33-year-old was seen as a short-term option to support United’s current forwards, with Erik ten Hag and Steve McClaren having worked with him before at Twente.
The Reds though have now ended their interest. ALSO READ: Manchester United confident of more signings before transfer deadline The Manchester Evening News understands backlash to the interest in Arnautovic was a contributing factor to the decision to withdraw their enquiries.
Fans had ridiculed United’s attempts to try and land the former Stoke and West Ham forward when the news emerged on Sunday. Bologna’s valuation was also seen as a stumbling block, with doubts also expressed by supporters after Arnautovic was given a one-game ban after allegedly using an anti-Albanian slur at Euro 2020.