Striker snubbed by Man United showing Red Devils what could have been

Manchester United were linked with a number of players over the summer and, while some new faces did arrive at Old Trafford, several players that were rumoured to be joining the club never did. 

New signings Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez have all impressed during the early weeks of the season, with United having won four league games in a row after a poor start to the campaign.

One player that didn’t join the club was Austrian forward Marko Arnautovic, who was linked with a surprise move to Old Trafford towards the end of the window.

The Express explains how United had a £7.6 million offer rejected for the former West Ham United man, before receiving several letters from supporters urging the club not to make a second offer for the player.

It is also claimed that United were wary that the player’s explosive personality may disrupt the dressing room.

The Premier League side therefore decided not to return to Arnautovic’s club Bologna with a second offer, and instead turned their attention elsewhere.

Arnautovic previously spent time with both West Ham and Stoke City

Now, though, Erik ten Hag may be starting to regret his decision, as Arnautovic has started the new season in superb form.

The 33-year-old has scored six goals in six Serie A matches so far this season, including the winner against Fiorentina last time out.

The Austria international also set up teammate Musa Barrow’s equaliser during the match, just minutes before putting Bologna ahead.

His tally puts him top of the goal scoring charts in the Italian top flight so far this season, ahead of the likes of Tammy Abraham, Dusan Vlahovic and Rafael Leao.

During his time in England, Arnautovic scored 22 goals in 65 games for The Hammers, having netted 26 times in 145 appearances for former side Stoke City.

He left England in 2019 to join Chinese Super League side Shanghai Port FC, and went on to score 20 goals in 39 games fo the club before moving on to Italy in 2021.