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Marko Arnautovic says Manchester United 'didn't have enough money' to sign him from West Ham United when he was wanted by then-manager Jose Mourinho.
Arnautovic was an in-demand player during his prolific stint at West Ham United, with Man United keeping tabs on his progress in the Premier League.
The Portuguese gaffer, who had worked with him at Inter Milan, was hoping to reunite with the maverick Austrian talent at Old Trafford during his time in charge of the club.
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However, the Red Devils failed to lure him away from London, with Arnautovic staying put before eventually leaving England for China.
On his unsuccessful Man United transfer, the 33-year-old referenced Paul Pogba's move to Man United as he explained how the move fell through.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport via Voce Giallo Rossa, he said: "Jose [Mourinho] wanted me when I was at West Ham. He asked me how much I cost. But then United didn’t have enough money to sign me, because they had already bought Pogba."
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Arnautovic's agent, Tiziano Pasquali, also spoke about the failed switch to Man United, revealing that it was his client who turned down the transfer.
"Yes, Juventus and Manchester United had come forward," he said. "From the English we had received a written proposal, and the negotiations had continued even after some contrary opinions from their fans.
"But in the end, it was Marko who chose not to drag it out too long and to stay at Bologna. How can you think that he is now in a bad way?"
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Arnautovic returned to Europe after two years in China as he signed for Serie A outfit Bologna last year.
He scored 15 goals in all competitions last season for the Italian side and has eight goals to his name this campaign.
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Topics: Manchester United, Football
Nasir Jabbar