"Difficult" - Manchester United transfer target opens up on failed summer move

Manchester United summer transfer target Marko Arnautovic has opened up on his failed return to England.

Arnautovic was widely reported to be a target of United's during Erik ten Hag's first transfer window in charge as they eyed up an additional attacking option.

Like any transfer window, United are linked to hundreds of players but the Arnautovic rumours took many fans by surprise.

There was backlash to the rumours online and ultimately the move failed.

Arnautovic: They tried to sign me several times

The Bologna striker discussed the potential move recently and said: “Manchester United tried to sign me several times and it was a difficult decision to stay in Italy because my family wanted to return to England," he told Austrian publication Laola1.

“For me it’s clear that the Red Devils remain at the top of the universe and Bologna, as a name, are not. But that’s fine.

“Here everything is calm, you have time for yourself and no stress. This is only good for me.”

Had United have known Cristiano Ronaldo would conduct an explosive interview mid-season, they may have pushed further to sign the Austrian striker.

In the Serie A this season he has been in fine form, contributing eight goals and an assist in 13 league appearances.

Ronaldo currently has just one goal in the Premier League this season and looks unlikely to return after the World Cup.