Erik ten Hag's controversial abandoned transfer sends Manchester United timely reminder

It was a monumental night in the recent history of Manchester United, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in the club was finally confirmed. You didn't have to look far for reminders of their recent mistakes, though.

753 miles away, it was also party time in one half of Milan as Inter defeated Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League knockout clash.

Marko Arnautovic was the controversial hero, picking up the Man of the Match award for his goal in their 1-0 win. As well as his strike, he was heavily criticised for squandering a number of big chances in the match, including a no-look shot from close range that was fired over the bar.

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Controversy is not something new to him; you only have to look at his abandoned move to Manchester United less than two years ago for a reminder of that.

Erik ten Hag identified the 34-year-old as a wildcard addition in attack, a pragmatic, short-term option to support the starting forwards. They also believed he had the right character and confidence to revitalise an often inconsistent forward line that was lacking self-belief.

It was not shared amongst supporters. United had an €8million bid rejected, but before they could submit a second, they walked away from a deal amid protests from supporters for both sporting and principled reasons.

The furious backlash at signing a player accused of racism is understood to be a contributing factor in the club withdrawing their inquiries, while Bologna's valuation of Arnautovic was also seen as a stumbling block.

Arnautovic netted 10 goals for Bologna last season before