Three reasons why Marko Arnautovic would excel at Manchester United
By Joel Orme
Marko Arnautovic is reportedly one the top summer targets for Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United, with the reds looking at a £50m bid to prize him from Manuel Pellegrini’s West Ham.
Marko Arnautovic has been with the Hammers for just one season since joining from Stoke City and neither set of fans are happy with the move, but it could be an important one for Manchester United.
United fans are blasting the lack of ambition and high asking price, whilst West Ham fans don’t want him to move on, especially with Pellegrini apparently being linked with West Brom’s Saloman Rondon.
However, there are some great qualities about him, which would make him fit into Mourinho’s side and be a perfect fit with the current squad.
Arnautovic? May as well go full Liverpool 10/11 and get Konchesky, Poulsen and fucking Meireles in
— 🤠 (@LukeUnitedd) May 30, 2018
Mourinho reportedly wants to bring Marko Arnautovic to United. Another player who turns 30 next season. He's also rumoured to be looking at John Terry, Samuel Eto'o and piecing together what's left of Brian Robson.
— Dan (@Dan23_92) May 30, 2018
Arnautovic’s Position
As a left winger, he has been played largely out of position at West Ham during last season, which could explain why none of his performances has caught the eye.
But United are crying out for midfield help. Usually playing with Marcus Rashford just behind the striker out on the left, he has been ineffective this year.
With Arnautovic, they have a player who is adept at playing on the left and loves an assist. According to the Premier League website, he’s put in 457 crosses in the league, and created 29 goals.
Arnautovic’s Goals
33 goals in 156 appearances in the Premier League is a hell of a record. Made even better when you realise he has either scored or assisted a goal every two and a half games. That’s better than Rashford.
The Austrian has seemingly found his feet in the Premier League now as well, consistently delivering over 10 goals a season for the past three years, and at 29-years old, that trend could continue for a few years yet.
Arnautovic’s Tackling
Arnautovic loves to get back and help out in defence as well, and you can’t say that about Paul Pogba. 190 tackles, 85 blocked shots, 111 interceptions and 104 clearances means the Austrian helps out defensively a lot. And United need that at times.
His hard style has led to yellow and red cards in the past, but that fighting spirit is exactly what Mourinho and the United fans love. A player who gives it their all.
He has a lot of what Mourinho is looking for and I can’t help but wonder whether his name and where he is coming from is putting people off.
He would be an asset to the team, perhaps £50m is a bit too much, but in today’s footballing world, you have to pay for what you want.
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Do you think Mark Arnautovic is the right move for Manchester United?