If you were to ask me which potential top six side would be a best fit for Marko Arnautović, then I’d say without doubt Manchester United.

No team in the Premier League’s top eight have scored less than Man United’s twenty goals so far this term.

The Red Devil’s main striker Romelu Lukaku hasn’t managed to find the back of the net in his last eleven United appearances, the Belgian striker is devoid of any confidence and it’s having a negative impact on the Man Utd attack.

United manager Jose Mourinho likes using a powerful hitman to lead his line; he’s had Didier Drogba and Diego Costa at Chelsea and he’s had Diego Milito and Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Inter Milan.

Jose has offer attacking options at United like Anthony Martial, Alexis Sanchez and Marcus Rashford. But they’ve scarcely been given the opportunity to play centrally at Old Trafford. I personally think Mourinho just doesn’t believe they’ve got the physicality needed to lead the line for his team.

West Ham United forward Marko Arnautović has been been linked with a move to the Red Devils, The Mirror are suggesting that the Old Trafford outfit could be preparing to bid £50m for the Austrian in January. The same media outlet also stated that the player’s brother and agent said that the attacker needs to “play for a top team”.

It would make sense, in that Mourinho has worked with Marko during their days together in Italy.

The West Ham man certainly has the physical presence to be a constant threat in the opponent’s half of the field. The Austrian wins at least one header per league game. He also has the strength to hold off his markers.

According to Whoscored, Marko has a far superior passing success rate to Romelu this year. Interestingly, at 3.5 shots per league game the Hammers hitman is also out shooting his United counterpart.

The Austrian internationalist also has a good touch for a big man and the skill to create his own chance inside the opposition’s penalty area.

Arnautović has banged in five goals in eleven league outings for the Hammers this season. That’s a better scoring record than Lukaku managed so far this term.

I believe, Jose would also appreciate Marko’s versatility. If Lukaku finds his mojo again, then Arnautović could fill in behind the Belgian or out on either wing if need be.

It would make complete sense for Jose Mourinho to bring in another imposing striker, given that Romelu Lukaku’s been misfiring during this campaign and that the Portuguese coach likes playing with a strong number nine.

Some might question United chasing a twenty-nine year old but again we know Mourinho likes purchasing experienced campaigners, previous January transfer signing Alexis Sanchez also joined the club whilst in his late twenties. Jose, might feel, that he needs players to come in that are already ready to compete and try and push the Red Devils back into the Top Four.

Former Man United boss David Moyes worked with Marko last term and the Scotsman told Talksport that the attacker could be ready to shine for a top side:

“He can play for a top-four club, he’s good enough.”

“He’s got the ability. He can play with the top players and considers himself a top player – you’ve got to remember he’s already been at the likes of Inter Milan before.”

Now I doubt The Hammers will want to sell their main goalscoring threat, especially in January but it might be hard to turndown a whopping fee that could see them possibly doubling their profit on an ageing player.

We’ll just have to wait and see if Man United are serious about pursuing Marko Arnautović and if they can do a deal that’s agreeable to potentially stubborn sellers in West Ham United.

Posted on November 26th, 2018 by scott
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