Manchester fans criticised for rejecting Marko Arnautović's deal
Written By
Ernest SundayA passionate sports journalist with an eye for detail.
Following the publication of several reports regarding Manchester United's pursuit of former West Ham United striker Marko Arnautović, the Premier League club has withdrawn from the deal.
According to reports from several reliable sources, United's decision to look elsewhere for a forward was attributed to the fans' protest over the move, which they termed "absurd".
The Old Trafford faithful are understood to have protested against Erik ten Hag's decision, with many reported to have threatened to cancel their season tickets, which pushed the Red Devils to close the deal.
Following this, former Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor has criticised the fans for going against the wishes of their new manager, Erik ten Hag, urging them to wake up from their dream of Fergie's time.
"I don't know who Manchester United fans think they are," Agbonlahor said during a talkSPORT radio live show. "Arnautović makes that Manchester United squad a better squad.
"They have to stop leaving in the Fergie years because Manchester United cannot attract top players."
Despite withdrawing from Arnautović's deal, Manchester United are expected to sign another forward to bolster their attacking options before the transfer window closes due to Cristiano Ronaldo's uncertain future.
The Red Devils are currently inked with £35m-rated PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo, who plied his trade last season in the Dutch Eredivisie with 21 goals in 47 appearances in all competitions. The gifted winger has begun to show his potential this season, scoring two goals in PSV's first-season league game against FC Emmen.
The 23-year-old Dutch player has been previously linked with Arsenal when they missed out on former Leeds United winger Raphinha to Barcelona. Gakpo has again drawn interest from another Premier League club, with Manchester United looking to add the gifted winger to their squad.
United see Cody Gakpo as the next best alternative for gifted Brazilian winger Antony, who they pushed hard for but could not reach an agreement with Ajax.
Though Manchester United have shown a great interest in the winger, they have yet to submit an official bid to PSV Eindhoven.