Marko Arnautovic is strengthening Erik ten Hag's hand in Manchester United transfer plans

Let's get this out of the way right from the very start: Manchester United were right not to sign Marko Arnautovic this summer, despite his successful start to the season in Serie A.

Erik ten Hag identified the 33-year-old as a wildcard addition for United in the summer, a player he believed had the right character and confidence to revitalise an often flaky forward line.

Not only was Ten Hag an admirer of his characteristics, but he was also an admirer of his quality, with the United manager believing that he could supplement their striking options given his natural eye for goal.

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That certainly seems to be the case. Arnautovic is the leading scorer in Serie A heading into the first international break of the season, with an impressive six goals in seven appearances so far.

He has started every match for Bologna, only missing 20 minutes of action this season, and has been involved in every single goal they have scored in Serie A, be it a goal or an assist.

United had a bid of €8million for the forward rejected at the start of last month, but before they could submit a second, they walked away from a deal amid protests from supporters.

Ten Hag's interest in a deal was mocked by supporters on social media and the furious backlash at signing a player accused of racism is understood to be a contributing factor in the club withdrawing their enquiries, while Bologna's valuation of Arnautovic was also a stumbling block.

Arnautovic had to insist he was 'not a racist' after he celebrated scoring a goal at Euro 2020. It was alleged he used an anti-Albanian slur and UEFA handed him a one-game ban following an investigation, though they did not find the language to be