Jarrod Bowen: Man United identify West Ham star as solution to new position | OneFootball

Manchester United are considering a swoop for West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen as INEOS look to bolster their forward line this summer, according to a new report.

Adding More Firepower

Despite the focus being on a midfield revamp, United are also on the hunt for reinforcements on the left wing and, in particular, up front.

Joshua Zirkzee has proven to be a dismal signing since his £36.5 million switch from Serie A side Bologna two years ago, returning a paltry nine goals and four assists in 74 appearances. The Dutchman is expected to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, with a return to Italy the most likely destination.

This means that an experienced back-up to Benjamin Sesko is on the agenda to help ease the burden on the 22-year-old Slovenian, despite a positive maiden campaign as the team’s top scorer following his big-money capture from RB Leipzig last summer.

A new winger on the left is also understood to be on the cards to help bring better balance to the attack. Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu have shared the responsibility under Michael Carrick, but neither is as comfortable as Bryan Mbeumo or Amad on the right.

However, the summer war chest is set to be directed primarily towards fixing the stalling engine room. The club’s primary targets in midfield are expected to cost up to £100 million, leaving little in the bank to fund two new attackers.

But this is why Bowen – a versatile forward with a proven track record of goals in England – is such a sensible target, particularly if West Ham are relegated this week.

A Proven Goal Scorer

Bowen has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most reliable goal scorers, despite playing for a side often with their backs to the wall and has previously been hailed as “unbelievable” by Jurgen Klopp.

The 29-year-old winger, who is capable of playing on either flank or through the middle as a false nine, has produced eight goals and 10 assists for the Hammers this season. Last year, it was 13 goals and nine assists; the campaign before, 16 goals and six assists.

With Nuno Espirito Santo’s side facing the impending prospect of a descent into the Championship, their captain – another green flag for United – is far too good a player to not remain in England’s top division.

The Guardian reveals United are joined by Chelsea and Liverpool in their admiration of Bowen, with West Ham United said to be “under extreme pressure to make sales if relegation is confirmed this week.”

The report states the Red Devils see the England international’s “versatility as a big plus” as they look to “add more depth in attack after qualifying for the Champions League”.

Interestingly, United have also been strongly linked with Bowen’s teammates, midfielder Mateus Fernandes and full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, setting up the possibility of a blockbuster triple raid on the London Stadium this summer.

Final Thoughts

If INEOS can sign Bowen in a cut-price deal following West Ham’s relegation, he would represent a shrewd acquisition capable of solving multiple issues in United’s squad. His leadership qualities and Premier League pedigree would also be major bonuses.

However, the Herefordshire native turns 30 in December, raising fears of a physical decline moving forward. United’s hierarchy have attempted to move away from this type of target since taking the helm at Old Trafford in 2024.

If West Ham are able to generate a bidding war for their prized asset amongst three of England’s elite, the deal would quickly lose its appeal for United, even if Bowen remains a hugely underrated footballer.

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