Manchester United ‘withdraw from Marko Arnautovic pursuit’ as Erik ten Hag looks to sign a striker

Manchester United have pulled out of the chase to sign Marko Arnautovic, according to reports. 

The Premier League side had been keen to buy the Bologna striker as new manager Erik ten Hag looks to strengthen his options up front. 

But as reported by the Athletic, the Serie A side pricing the Austrian too high and ‘fan complaints’ about the player have contributed to United withdrawing from their pursuit.

Siniša Mihajlović’s Bologna had rejected a £6.8m bid from the Red Devils this weekend and reportedly expected United to follow up with a better offer.

There were accusations the 102-cap international used an anti-Albanian insult in his country’s match against North Macedonia at Euro 2020, with UEFA handing him a one-game ban as a result.

Arnautovic, who after the match posted on social media stating he was not a racist, had also denied allegations of racially abusing another player while at FC Twente in 2009.

The 33-year-old, who worked under Ten Hag and his assistant, Steve McClaren, at Dutch side Twente, was seen by the club as an experienced, versatile and low-cost option to bolster their attacking ranks.

He caught the eye after scoring 14 goals in 33 appearances for the Serie A side last season, but Bologna’s insistence he was not available for transfer meant United have walked away from the deal.

United are desperate to strengthen, with Anthony Martial injured and 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo openly wanting to leave Old Trafford this summer.