Marko Arnautovic breaks silence after failed Manchester United transfer

Marko Arnautovic has admitted he is focused on Bologna after Manchester United withdrew their interest in signing him.

Erik ten Hag wanted to sign Arnautovic this summer as he believed the 33-year-old was a pragmatic, short-term option to support his starting forwards. Ten Hag also thought Arnautovic was an ideal character for a dressing room still struggling for self-belief.

Arnautovic has played for Werder Bremen, Stoke City, West Ham and Chinese Super League team Shanghai Port in his career and United's interest was controversial, with the majority of supporters considering it a new low in a frustrating transfer window.

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United's talks to sign Arnautovic ended earlier this week. The backlash to United's interest in the player was a contributing factor in the club withdrawing their enquiries, while Bologna's valuation of Arnautovic was also a stumbling block.

Arnautovic was asked about United's interest on Saturday and he seemed unbothered by the transfer talks coming to an end.

“The market is the market,” Arnautovic said at a press conference. "I’ve been in the world of football for many years and I know there could be clubs interested during the transfer window, but now I am focused on Bologna.”

The summer transfer window closes in less than three weeks and United still need attacking reinforcements.

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