Why didn’t Arnautovic transfer to Manchester United? Bologna explains keeping their star

Manchester United were desperate for a striker in the summer. They were even interested in the former West Ham star. Marko Arnautovic, however, stayed in Italy. Bologna suited him perfectly. Why didn’t his move to the English big club work out?

The Red Devils have started the new season under a new coach. He brought in several reinforcements, but the goal of getting a quality striker remained unfulfilled. This is despite the fact that out of desperation Manchester United tried to bring in players that few would have expected.

One of them was Marko Arnautovic. A once-great talent who hasn’t even come close to fulfilling the potential that abounded. The Austrian striker used to play for Inter Milan, but made a name for himself during his engagements at Stoke City and West Ham.

He then disappeared to China before returning to Europe a year ago. He was brought in as a big star by Italian side Bologna. In their jersey, the experienced striker put in great performances and was one of the top scorers in Serie A.

And in the new season, he’s doing no worse. On the contrary. After seven games, he has 6 goals and an assist. He is proving that he is a key player and that he could quite possibly score goals even if he goes to Old Trafford.

But the transfer never happened. Why? Until recently, there was speculation that Manchester United were to be put off by the reaction of fans who were very critical of the transfer. But everything is different.

“No, no. Manchester United did not back away from the transfer because of the fans. Itbacked down because Arnautovic understood that he is at the heart of our project now and in the years to come,” Bologna sporting director Marco Di Vaio told Corriere dello Sport.

“Marko has acted like a true champion and has realised what he means to the club and the city,” added the boss of the traditional Italian outfit.

Apart from Manchester United, Juventus and Napoli were also interested in Arnautovic.

Source: Corriere dello Sport, Transfermarkt