West Ham star Marko Arnautovic backed to have major impact at Man Utd

West Ham star Marko Arnautovic can have a "major" impact at Manchester United, with Austria team-mate Marcel Sabitzer crossing his fingers a move will happen.

Arnautovic, currently sidelined for the festive fixtures with a knee injury, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford after impressing in east London.

His brother and agent, Daniel, recently claimed Marko was looking to play at a higher level - talk the striker has since denied - but Sabitzer has backed him to shine elsewhere.

"Marko is a great guy," Sabitzer told Omnisport. "I get along well with him and we have played together for a long time with the national team.

"We are good friends and once went on holiday together. I like him a lot and I think he feels the same way about me.

"Everybody can see that he has athletic qualities. He had a lack of maturity and luck in Germany and I think he knows that.

"But his performances in England the past few years have demonstrated his real class and I can see the same in terms of the national team.

"That's why I believe that he can make another step forward and play a major role there [at Manchester United]. I cross my fingers for him."