Lukaku’s backup? – 3 Solid reasons why Man United should sign this £50m-rated hot-headed PL star
According to reports, Manchester United are interested in signing £50m-rated West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic in the summer transfer window.
United manager Jose Mourinho watched Arnautovic in action in Austria’s win against Russia on Wednesday.
The Austrian joined West Ham from Stoke City last summer and scored 11 goals to fire the club to safety in the Premier League. Arnautovic also provided 6 assists in what turned out to be a really good debut season with the Londoners.
Following a fine season with West Ham, Mourinho has set his sights on Arnautovic as he wants to bolster his attacking options ahead of the new season.
So, here are three reasons why United must up their ante to sign Arnautovic from West Ham this summer.
Instant impact
Throughout his career, Jose Mourinho has not been renowned for nurturing young talents and making them stars. He has always banked on proven, experienced, tried and tested players to win titles all across Europe.
Keeping that in mind, the Portuguese wants Arnautovic in his squad to challenge Manchester City for the title next season.
In that case, Arnautovic could be an ideal acquisition for United. The Austrian’s 11 goals and 6 assists in his debut season is reason enough for Mourinho to sign him. The 29-year-old is playing at the peak of his powers and has the ability to make an immediate impact for United next season.
Matured as a player
If United succeed in signing Arnautovic, this won’t be the first time the Austria international will work under Mourinho. Arnautovic previously worked with Mourinho during their time together at Inter Milan in 2009. He made only three appearances for Inter during a forgettable loan spell from FC Twente and subsequently joined Werder Bremen in 2010.
To be honest, Arnautovic is not a United material but has matured immensely as a player since being called a ‘child’ by Mourinho for his immaturity at Inter. The 29-year-old attacker has gained massive experience in the Premier League and enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career this time around.
Indeed, Arnautovic has come a long way and just like how his arrogance and swagger at 20 was accepted by Mourinho at Inter, he should be embraced with open arms by the Portuguese gaffer at United.
Backup for Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku enjoyed a fine debut season at United after joining from Everton last summer. The Belgian scored 26 goals in all competitions but during his absence, United looked toothless in the attack.
The likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial failed to grab the opportunities presented to them, which forced Mourinho to continue with Lukaku as a central striker. In fact, United just scored once in the final three league games in the absence of Lukaku due to injury.
Signing Arnautovic could be the answer to Mourinho’s problems. Arnautovic hadn’t scored or assisted before being shifted to a striker role by David Moyes at West Ham. The move worked wonders as the 29-year-old contributed 11 goals and 6 assists, proving to be an unstoppable force at one point in time.
After enjoying a blistering debut season at West Ham, it is the right time for Mourinho to get the hot-headed Arnautovic on board at Old Trafford.
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