8 in 13 striker says 'difficult' to miss out on Manchester United transfer move

Marko Arnautovic has been speaking about his disappointment at missing out on a move to Manchester United in the summer.

The striker told Laola1 he was prepared to make the move to Old Trafford when the club’s interest surfaced in the summer.

United’s pursuit of Arnautovic was short-lived, with the club abandoning the chase amid negative feedback from supporters, Sky Sports reported in August.

Arnautovic stayed at Bologna where he has been performing strongly, with eight goals from 13 Serie A appearances, making him Serie A’s second highest scorer this season behind Victor Osimhen (9).

Austria international striker Marko Arnautovic talked through his frustration at missing out on a United move, although did say he remains perfectly content with life at Bologna.

Arnautovic said: “Manchester United looked for me several times and it was a difficult decision to stay in Italy because my family wanted to return to England.

“For me it is clear that the Red Devils remain at the top of the universe and Bologna, as a name, is not.

“But that’s okay. Here everything is calm, you have time for yourself and no stress. That’s just good for me.”

Part of the Manchester United fan frustration over the Arnautovic move was the lack of strategy it showed from the club.

United’s transfers were strong in the summer, but the process was at times confusing, and the Arnautovic chase was a particular low point.

The club’s solutions up front have been to find quick fixes, for years, and this was no different, a pursuit of a 33-year-old forward.

In the end United did not sign a striker, and will have to address this during the upcoming transfer windows, with Cristiano Ronaldo expected to be cut loose, report BBC Sport.