Man United position clear with Arnautovic and Rabiot bids as Frenkie de Jong stance outlined

Here are your Manchester United evening headlines for Monday, August 8.

It’s been quite the 24 hours in the world of Manchester United. Having seen their side slump to an opening day defeat at home to Brighton, fans are now reeling from the news of two potential signings that haven’t exactly inspired them.

Even as they were falling to their 2-1 defeat on Sunday, news was emerging of the Reds’ bid for Marko Arnautovic. Best known on these shores for his spells at Stoke and West Ham, the Austria international is being eyed up in order to bolster the club’s attacking options.

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Meanwhile, United have also agreed a fee for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot amid their ongoing pursuit of Frenkie de Jong. With their latest moves in the transfer market, the stance at Old Trafford looks to have been confirmed – desperation has kicked in.

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United agreeing a fee for Rabiot perhaps comes as the clearest indication yet that they now accept they need to look at alternatives to De Jong. The Reds have spent much of the summer chasing the Netherlands international to no avail.

United have had a fee agreed with Barcelona for the last month, but completion of the deal has been held up by a wage deferral the player is owed. The club haven’t ended their pursuit of the midfielder, but his preference has always been to stay at Barcelona and it is still possible he will do so.

De Jong was a half-time substitute for Barca in their friendly with Pumas UNAM on Sunday. After the game, the club’s president Joan Laporta was again asked about the player’s future.

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