Ronaldo doesn’t want to play with Arnautovic
Ben Jacobs
- Updated: 9 Aug 2022 08:06 BST
- 4 min read
Manchester United have shown interest in Bologna’s Marko Arnautovic, as they look to bolster their attacking line following their defeat to Brighton on the opening day of the season.
However, this could be something that doesn’t sit well with one of their current stars, as it doesn’t appeal to Cristiano Ronaldo, who made it clear he wishes to leave the club.
The Portuguese forward questioned the club’s ambition earlier in the summer, and made it clear that he wished to leave as the Red Devils could no longer compete with England and Europe’s best.
Now, should United move for Arnautovic, Ronaldo would not want to play with him, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs writes for FootballTransfers.
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Ronaldo not excited by Arnautovic
I think Manchester United are looking at a few attack-minded players. The Arnautovic bid is genuine and it was rejected. There’s been a bit of outrage over whether he’s the right fit on and off the football field, and he has unfortunately had racism scandals dog him as well, and a lot of the fanbase are unhappy.
He feels like a band-aid signing, really. Whether he’s what Manchester United need or not, if you’re Ronaldo, and that’s the player they’re going to bring in, you’ve got even more cause to leave. Then, you’ve got two forwards who are in their 30s at the football club.
It’s not ideal but, it’s also low risk from a financial point of view and a football point of view, and Manchester United have obviously made these kinds of moves for older stop-gap players as well. I just think that the fanbase would not warm to him. There are certainly some questions to be asked about the player’s historical conduct and that’s part of signing a footballer – they have to be a fit in the dressing room and in the culture.
So, ultimately, there is a very divided fanbase about whether Manchester United should proceed with a second offer. At the time of recording, they’ve had one rejected offer and we shall see whether they go back with a second one.
They’re moving in the market, but in strange ways and short-term ways. On the other extreme, they’re looking at Benjamin Sesko as well for the future, so we shouldn’t overly criticize a mid-30s player, if they’re trying to get a young talent.
But, when that extra body comes in, what does Ronaldo do? Because I can guarantee you, if it’s Arnautovic, it doesn’t go any way, shape or form to keeping Cristiano Ronaldo at the football club. In fact, quite the opposite. You bring in a name of that note, I don’t Ronaldo applauds that, nor is he excited by that, I don’t think he wants to play with a player like that.
This might actually have a dual effect, if it proceeds, and it’s still an if. It might bring Manchester United one name, while further forcing Ronaldo out and solidifying his desire not to stay at the club, and that desire is strong. So, one signing could affect another and, I think that Manchester United are in big trouble at the moment: they need something through the door, even if it’s not an out-and-out striker. They need a win in the transfer market.
