Krishnan Sreekumar
Andy Townsend: West Ham United star Jarrod Bowen would be perfect for Manchester United
Speaking on TalkSPORT (h/t Daily Mail), ex-Aston Villa star Andy Townsend said that West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen would make a fantastic signing for Manchester United ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
Bowen has been enjoying his most productive season with West Ham this time around, chipping in with goals and assists on a regular basis. The Hammers have benefitted from the winger’s contributions, as they look to finish above United in the Premier League table this term.
Townsend, who won a couple of League Cups with Villa, praised Bowen for his performances and bet that the London side would get a couple of bids for the player in the summer. He also believes that the Red Devils could be a stronger outfit with the Englishman in their squad.
“Jarrod Bowen has been great. He’s been so good lately. I bet you West Ham get a bid or two for him in the summer. Would you have him [at Manchester United]? Like a shot you should be saying.”
This season, Bowen’s goals have helped West Ham secure European football for the coming campaign. Not just this, the Hammers also had him to thank as they reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League this term, losing to eventual winners Eintracht Frankfurt.
“I would play him off the right-hand side”
Bowen has proven that he can compete with the best of the rest in England as well as in Europe, and could perhaps take the next step in his playing career. Old Trafford offers him a platform where he can shine, although it remains to be seen if the player himself is keen on a move in the summer.
Townsend however, believed that the 25-year-old would get in the United team wherever he likes, and can play anywhere in the attacking line. The former player said that although the winger has played up the middle for the Hammers, he would play Bowen off the right flank.
“He can play anywhere. I’ve seen him play up the middle for West Ham, on one side. For your lot [United], he’d get in your team wherever he likes! I would play him off the right-hand side.”
The forward line at the Theatre of Dreams could certainly do with a shake-up in the summer, given how inconsistent their current crop of options have been. Marcus Rashford has looked out of form throughout the campaign, becoming a shadow of the player he once was.
New signing Jadon Sancho struggled at first to adapt to the way the Red Devils play, but has slowly found his feet on the wings. He is expected to get better next term, and fans will hope that he can recreate the same form he produced while at Borussia Dortmund.
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Townsend suggested that Bowen should be played off the right-hand side in the United team, but that position is occupied by Anthony Elanga. The 20-year-old has been a standout star for the Manchester side this season, establishing himself in the senior side after rising through the ranks at the academy.
Only time will tell if Bowen will be wearing the famous red jersey next term, but with a massive squad rebuild expected at Old Trafford in the summer, that possibility may not be too far-fetched. Based on how good the Englishman has been this season, signing him could turn out to be a smart decision.
