Manchester United’s search for attacking reinforcements continues, with the club reportedly eyeing a summer deal for West Ham United attacker Marko Arnautovic.
According to reputed journalist Duncan Castles, Marko Arnautovic is the latest name to pop up on the Manchester United radar. The Red Devils are being linked with the Austrian international, with Jose Mourinho intent of reinforcing their attack ahead of the new season.
Marko Arnautovic’s West Ham career as the club’s most expensive transfer started off poorly under Slaven Bilic, with the player and the club failing to find any footing in the 2017-18 campaign. But, since the advent of David Moyes, the Austrian international revelled in his newfound role as the frontman for the Hammers, spearheading the club to safety.
With 11 goals and 6 assists to his name, Arnautovic proved to be the right signing at the end of the day. But, West Ham could be set to lose their most expensive player just a season into his Hammers career, with Manchester United shockingly eyeing a summer move for the Austrian international.
Manchester United do not have many attacking options to lead the attack beyond Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford, with the latter often being deployed out wide rather than through the centre. Thus, the need for another striker has arisen at Old Trafford.
But, the rumours linking the club with Arnautovic seem weird. The report entails that Jose Mourinho has been impressed by the West Ham United attacker’s ability to spearhead the attack for the London outfit. Mourinho is looking to add a tall presence in the squad, especially with Marouane Fellaini edging towards the exit door.
Manchester United have been linked with Mario Mandzukic, but Arnautovic could be a more reliable option considering his Premier League experience. The Austrian international would also be tempted with the return to the big leagues, the prospect of competing for trophies and a taste for Champions League football.
Arnautovic could also be deployed on the right, meaning Jose Mourinho would be able to remedy two problems with one signing – assure a backup option to Romelu Lukaku while reinforcing the right wing. But, one problem that may arise is the fact that the West Ham United superstar favours the left wing, a problem that is abundantly present within the Manchester United squad, with Alexis Sanchez, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial all favouring the left side.
On one hand, Arnautovic’s arrival could prove to be a boon, but if the Austrian fails to adapt to the right wing, he may find opportunities hard to come by as far as starts are concerned, especially if Romelu Lukaku manages to remain fit for majority of the campaign.
This looks like a realistic deal for Manchester United to complete. But, for a club of United’s stature and keeping in mind the potential problems that the signing might have, Arnautovic should be a tertiary option for the club as they begin their foray in the transfer market to build the squad for the 2018-19 season.
