Manchester United will not sign Marko Arnautovic this summer, according to reports, with 'complaints from fans' and his overall price tag seen as factors behind the decision.
Following their opening day defeat against Brighton, it emerged that United had submitted a £6.8 million bid for former West Ham and Stoke forward Arnautovic, who currently plays for Serie A outfit Bologna.
That bid, however, was swiftly rejected by the Italian side.
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An improved offer was expected, despite the overwhelmingly negative response from fans, but after days of uncertainty, it now appears United have pulled out of a deal to sign the player.
The Athletic report that the club received a number of complaints from fans about the idea of signing the Austrian forward, including a complaint from Michael Damevski.
Damevski, who is of North Macedonian descent, penned a message to United questioning how signing Arnautovic would correspond to the club’s zero tolerance approach to racism.
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Last year, the Austria forward was handed a one-match ban after he used an alleged anti-Albanian slur during his country's clash against North Macedonia at Euro 2020.
UEFA launched an investigation and found the 33-year-old forward guilty of 'insulting another player'.
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The report from The Athletic goes on to confirm that a member of staff at Manchester United replied to Damevski’s concerns and they were noted.
They also claim several fans had sent emails to chief executive Richard Arnold about the transfer.
In addition to the complaints, Bologna insisted Arnautovic was not for sale after the £6.8 million bid was rejected.
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United would have needed to spend more to complete the signing, and that fact 'reduced the appeal' of signing the former West Ham striker, who made 184 Premier League appearances during his time in England.
With just over three weeks until the window shuts, the club will now look elsewhere for attacking targets.
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Topics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Premier League
Jack Kenmare