Manchester United END their pursuit of Marko Arnautovic after fans complained about a deal for the controversial forward… with Erik ten Hag’s striker search continuing
- Manchester United have pulled out of their pursuit of Austrian Marko Arnautovic
- The Premier League side had been keen to strengthen their options up front
- But new boss Erik ten Hag will now have to turn to alternative striking targets
Manchester United have abandoned their pursuit of Marko Arnautovic in the face of a backlash from fans, but are close to signing Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot in a £19.5million deal.
Arnautovic emerged as a shock target for United over the weekend as new manager Erik ten Hag looks to strengthen his attack before the transfer window ends.
United saw Arnautovic as a cut-price option but decided not to meet Bologna’s demands for the Austria striker after having an initial £7.5m bid rejected.
Manchester United have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Marko Arnautovic (pictured)
But new manager Erik ten Hag (pictured) will now have to turn to alternative striking targets
It’s understood the decision was also influenced by the negative reaction from supporters who were dismayed to see United pursuing a 33-year-old who played in China after leaving the Premier League three years ago.
Arnautovic has also had disciplinary problems, including being hit by a one-match ban from UEFA at Euro 2020 last summer for aiming an anti-Albanian slur at North Macedonia player Ezgjan Alioski. The former West Ham and Stoke striker, who played under Ten Hag and his United No 2 Steve McClaren at FC Twente 12 years ago, later denied he was a racist.
United will now look elsewhere for a new forward and have been linked with a move for PSV Eindhoven’s £35m-rated winger Cody Gakpo.
The 33-year-old Austrian (right) caught the eye after 14 goals in 33 appearances last campaign
The 23-year-old Holand international scored 21 goals for PSV last season. Gakpo is a cheaper option than Ajax winger Antony, who played under Ten Hag in Holland .
United have also been watching Stuttgart target man Sasa Kalajdzic having considered Red Bull Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko and Ajax forward Brian Brobbey.
Ten Hag’s other priority position following Sunday’s shock home defeat by Brighton is defensive midfield, and United are progressing with a deal to sign Rabiot. A fee of £15m rising to £19.5m has been agreed with Juventus, and United are in talks with Rabiot’s agent and mother over personal terms.
It’s understood that Ten Hag spoke to the 27-year-old on Monday and he is keen on a move to Old Trafford which could go through before United’s second game at Brentford on Saturday.
United sources insist Rabiot has been on their wish list all summer and that signing the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder does not rule out landing Ten Hag’s No 1 target Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona.
Rabiot’s arrival could hasten James Garner’s departure from Old Trafford. Nottingham Forest are keen to sign Garner in a permanent deal after having the 21-year-old on loan last season.
Meanwhile, former United striker Javier Hernandez says the club must let Ten Hag run it his way free of comparison with Sir Alex Ferguson.
Hernandez, who was a part of Ferguson’s last two title-winning teams in 2011 and 2013, now plays for LA Galaxy in the MLS.
‘United need to get over the fact that Sir Alex Ferguson has gone,’ he said. ‘To substitute a man like that is not easy. It is like winning the lottery. So United have to adapt and allow the next manager to do it in his own way.’
