Bologna chief claims striker rejected Man United this summer | OneFootball

The final three weeks of Manchester United’s transfer window were hectic, to say the least. By the time the Premier League season kicked off on August 7, Erik ten Hag had added three players to his squad.

That figure would be doubled by the end of the transfer window and a host of players were linked with moves to Old Trafford, including Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic.

It was one of the strangest rumours of the summer but it seemed like it had a leg to stand on. It was even revealed that United had an initial bid rejected by the Italian club.

Eventually, United pulled themselves out of the running due to a number of reasons but fan unrest is said to be one of the factors. Bologna chief Marco Di Vaio has now refuted these suggestions, claiming that it was Arnautovic who decided to stay at Bologna despite United’s interest.

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“No, no. Manchester United did not back down because of those fans, but only because Arnautovic has understood that he is at the centre of our project now and in the coming years. Marko behaved like a true champion, realising what he represents for Bologna as a team and a city,” Di Vaio told Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness.

SN’s verdict… Although Arnautovic has started this season in stunning form, it would have been a mistake to bring him back to the Premier League – especially considering the fragile state United are in.

Arnautovic’s record off the pitch is hardly spotless and with Ten Hag already battling with divisions from past regimes, it would have been irresponsible to add another potential instigator.

Whether Di Vaio’s recollection of events is true is anyone’s guess. The consensus from the summer was that United pulled out due to reactions from supporters.