Manchester United are interested in signing veteran Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic, according to GOAL. Erik ten Hag is looking for more depth in attack and views the former Stoke and West Ham forward as a good squad player.
The 2-1 loss to Brighton on Sunday, in which Bruno Fernandes played as a false No. 9, brought home the necessity for front-line reinforcements.
Why Do Manchester United Want Arnautovic?
Ten Hag feels 33-year-old Arnautovic can provide experience and variety to his forward line by playing in wide positions or through the centre.
The Bologna forward is also considered as a low-cost option to increase numbers, with a cost of roughly £8m.
The player, who scored 14 goals last season, is also said to be interested in a move to Old Trafford.
United are limited of options up front, with Cristiano Ronaldo eager to depart this summer and Anthony Martial the club’s only other senior striker.
Arnautovic has a distinct profile than the rest of United’s forwards and is well-known to Ten Hag, who worked with him at Twente.
A bid is reported to have already been made, although sources insist he is not being considered as a substitute for Ronaldo.
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What Did Ten Hag Have To Say About Arnautovic?
When asked about his interest, the Dutchman was evasive, but he didn’t deny he wanted to bring the Austrian in.
He said, “I don’t go into names. In this pre-season maybe 250 players are linked with Manchester United, so that is it.
“We have two strikers, maybe a third with [Marcus] Rashford. We considered him (to play centre-forward) but he had a really good pre-season on the left side and today he had two good chances so I think it was a good decision to play him there.”
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