According to latest reports, Marko Arnautovic could be on Manchester United‘s radar if they fail to sign Mario Mandzukic in the summer. United will be in need of reinforcements in the summer as they look to mount a better title challenge next season.
The Austrian winger was instrumental for West Ham United especially in the latter half of their season in their push for Premier League survival. They have looked more threatening on the attacking front whenever Arnautovic has been on the pitch and he will certainly be in the plans of their new manager Manuel Pellegrini.
However, if a club like Manchester United make a concrete offer for the winger, his head can certainly turn. The winger managed 11 goals and six assists in the Premier League and he was easily the standout player for the Hammers this season.
Arnautovic also proved his versatility as David Moyes used him in a false 9 role this season and that seemed to have brought the best out of him. The injury of Andy Carroll probably turned out to be a blessing in disguise as without that Arnautovic would have continued playing down the left.
The Red Devils are in need of players who can take the game by the scruff of the neck. Arnautovic has that ability but he seems to blow hot and cold too often. The Austrian is already 29 and he will certainly not be a long-term option for Jose Mourinho. However, in the short run and the kind of form which he is in, he can certainly turn out to be a smart piece of business in the transfer market.
It will be interesting to see whether the Austrian will be able to handle the pressure of playing at a big club. At the West London club, he will be their star man and the rest of the team will probably look up to him to provide some moment of inspiration. However, at Manchester United, he can easily end up as a squad player as they already have the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Alexis Sanchez who can play in the role of the left wing. Mourinho might use him up front but he will certainly be a backup option for Romelu Lukaku.
The Hammers are probably going to try tooth and nail to keep their man who helped them secure their promotion. Selling him would certainly be a backward step for them. The player has enjoyed some good form and he seems to be having some good rapport with his team-mates. He has his contract up until 2022 and one of Pellegrini’s first job at the club could be to ensure Arnautovic stays at the club.
