Former Stoke and West Ham striker Marko Arnautovic has blamed the ‘calm and stress-free’ environment at Bologna persuaded him to stay at the club amid interest from Manchester United in the summer.
The 33-year-old was briefly chased by Erik ten Hag’s side as they looked to strengthen their forward line amid uncertainty over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at the club, but the deal fell through when Arnautovic opted to stay in Italy.
He has been performing admirably in Serie A, picking up 22 goals in 46 games since signing in 2021, including eight in 13 this season.
Despite previous rumours that the transfer fell through due to complaints from United fans, Arnautovic has now revealed that he opted not to join United as he was enjoying life in Bologna.
He told Laola1: ‘Here everything is calm, you have time for yourself and no stress. This is only good for me.’
‘Manchester United tried to sign me several times and it was a difficult decision to stay in Italy because my family wanted to return to England.
‘For me it’s clear that the Red Devils remain at the top of the universe and Bologna, as a name, are not. But that’s fine.’
United ended up bringing in Antony from Ajax instead, and the Brazilian has made a solid start to to life in the Premier League with three goals in six games from the right wing.
Ten Hag may be hunting for another forward in January, though, as Ronaldo’s fiery recent interview appears to have ended hopes of resurrecting his relationship with United, leaving yet another gap up front for the Red Devils.