- Manchester United linked with Premier League forward
- Red Devils expected to sign a winger
- Liverpool and Chelsea also in the frame
Manchester United are set to recruit further attacking reinforcements this summer, despite investing over £200million into the area less than a year ago. A new left-winger to support Matheus Cunha is on the agenda ahead of a highly anticipated Champions League return, and the more intense workload that comes with it.
The Red Devils’ midfield rebuild is understandably the top priority, with as many as three new players expected to arrive in Michael Carrick’s engine room. But if opportunity knocks, focus could momentarily turn elsewhere, and an enticing opportunity could be at the door.
According to The Guardian, United join Chelsea and Liverpool in the hunt for Jarrod Bowen this summer. West Ham United will reportedly have to raise at least £100m if they are relegated from the Premier League, and their captain is among those likely to abandon ship.
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Jarrod Bowen to Man Utd is a no-go
On the face of it, could you complain about adding an attacker of Bowen’s quality to your firepower? In the last eight years of his career, he has only failed to surpass 20 goal involvements in two seasons. He accumulated 19 in one of those.
But Bowen turns 30 in December, and he has scored in just one of his last 17 matches for club and country. There are natural concerns that a decline could be on the horizon.
West Ham would be resigned to selling their best players if they face the drop. Yet, it is unlikely they would accept peanuts for a player who has become a club legend at the London Stadium.
Would Bowen’s salary demands also fit the likely role he would be playing at Old Trafford? Also unlikely. United already have a good striker in Benjamin Sesko and three wingers primed to challenge for a spot on the right next season – Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Shea Lacey.
Carrick would be wise to commit funds elsewhere.
Why Man Utd might be interested
That said, we can attempt to provide some balance…
United are reportedly looking for an experienced striker to offer Sesko support ahead of what will be a far busier season than his debut campaign. Joshua Zirkzee is not a striker, nor should he be at the club beyond the summer.
Bowen is, of course, a natural right-winger. However, he has played substantial minutes as West Ham’s frontman in recent years. Effectively so, too.
There is also a question to ponder about Amad. The Ivorian only turns 24 this summer and is undoubtedly talented. But his return of two goals and two assists all season is far from the standard required.
Even then, that is why United splashed £70m to sign Bryan Mbeumo last summer. Another headline right-winger, quite simply, is not necessary.
If you want support for Sesko, sign a natural striker. If you want more depth out wide, sign a left-winger of a different profile to Cunha.
