Jose Mourinho’s struggles at Old Trafford last season is expected to see him spend big this summer. The manager will be desperate to improve the quality of his first team and is already linked with a move for some of the finest stars in world football. But one player, that he is personally interested in is Marko Arnautovic.
The Austrian international first moved to England with Stoke City back in 2013 and though took his time to make an impact, was one of the most influential players for the club before he left for West Ham last summer. Stoke City failed to avoid the drop, after losing Arnautovic, while the 29-year old himself helped West Ham United stay away from the relegation zone come the end of the season.
He enjoyed an impressive debut season at London stadium and amassed 11 goals and six assists in 28 league starts for the Hammers. He missed a few games with an injury but retained his spot as a regular starter under David Moyes, hardly failing to make an impact in a game. He made 125 league appearances at Stoke City before joining West Ham and also has 72 international appearances for Austria and is an established star at the highest level.
He is a gritty customer, happy to throw his body on the line for his side. His attitude in games and his zeal to win is what will have attracted Mourinho. He is at his best when bullying CB’s and full-backs and making space for him and his teammates in the final third. He is a deadly finisher and can also create chances playing from the flank and is a decent addition to the squad at Old Trafford.
He is now 29 and in the peak of his career and certainly has a couple of years of his best football left in him. His ability to play as a false-9 or on either wing will be an added bonus for the Red Devils.
Mourinho travelled to Austria to see Arnautovic in action after the end of the last season and reports suggest that he is at the top of the wish list for the Portuguese manager and Arnautovic himself has now opened the door for a move.
Read More: Manchester United Midfielder Wooed By La Liga Outfit: Should Mourinho Allow Him To Leave?
Speaking to the media recently, he said, ‘I am happy with my job. Whatever happens, will happen. I’ve never heard anything.’ Though he claims to be happy, a chance to play for United is not easy to pass off so Arnautovic is one player United can definitely land this summer.
