Man United Withdraws Move For Marko Arnautović After Fans Backlash And Bologna's Demand.

Manchester United have reportedly ended their controversial pursuit of Bologna forward Marko Arnautovic and instead will now set the eyes on other targets.

The Red Devils' interest in the Austrian striker emerged late on Sunday following their dismal 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton to kick off the new Premier League season.

Erik ten Hag decided to move for the Austria international after growing frustrations with United's failure to land other forward targets, including Darwin Nunez who joined Liverpool, Benjamin Sesko who joined RB Leipzig, and leading target Anthony from Ajax despite the Brazillian not a viable option to be played through the middle.

According to Sky Sports, Man United saw a €10m bid for the former West Ham and Stoke forward rejected last week; as Bologna's asking price of €15m for the forward was deemed too  who high.

United who believed that Arnautovic would be a cut-price option and a potential game-changer from the bench, were expected to make an improved offer, but following furious backlash from fans, they have decided to back off from the deal.

Fans were angered by the pursuit of Arnautovic, who has been accused of using racist language in the past.

Bologna's manager and director of football both publicly admitted on Monday that they Arnautovic is "priceless", "money is not the issue", as the 33-year-old is at the centre of the club's project.

Though, Ten Hag is still determined to strengthen his attack, with wantaway superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial his only available options at centre forward.

United will now look at other attacking options on the market for a short-term deal, and one player they are considering is Watford winger Ismaila Sarr.

The Senegalese International, started the new season with Watford in fine form back in the Championship following their relegation. He scored from his own half in a 1-1 draw at West Brom on Monday.

Despite Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong remaining Ten Hag's top target before the transfer window closes next month, United are lining up a host of alternatives having agreed a for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, as discussions with his mother Veronique is scheduled in the next 24 hours.

A fee worth around £15m ($18m) has been agreed with Juventus for Adrien Rabiot, while there is also interest in Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.