Manchester United couldn’t sign Darwin Nuñez; now they are after Jarrod Bowen

Even if Manchester United haven’t finished playing the 2021-22 Premier League season, as they will visit Crystal Palace on Sunday evening for the last game of the year, Erik ten Hag is already in Manchester, planning the movements that he’ll do for next season.

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The Red Devils are looking to be one of the most active teams over the summer transfer window, as they need to ensure having a competitive team to leave behind one of the worst seasons that they’ve had in recent years.

United is expected to lose several players over the free agency, including key positions that ten Hag is already looking to reinforce, especially in the midfield and the attack, as Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani will leave Old Trafford.

One of the players that Manchester United had prioritized is SL Benfica striker Darwin Núñez, who had an outstanding season, as he scored 34 goals and six assistances across all competences this season, and with only 22 years old, he’s looking to become one of the top strikers in the world next season.

Núñez declined United’s offer but they already have a plan B

Unfortunately for The Red Devils, the 22-year-old Uruguayan international declined their offer, as even if he knows he’s set to move from Primeira Liga, his only condition is to arrive in a team that will play Champions League next season, something that Manchester United won’t do.

Erik ten Hag knew of the possibility of not being able to sign him, which is why he already had other players in mind, like West Ham United’s striker Jarrod Bowen, who has been the top striker for the Hammers in the past two seasons.

The 25-year-old right-winger can also play as a forward or withdrawn-forward, something that helped him score double digits in both goals and assistances for West Ham this season, as he scored 18 goals and had 13 assistances.

What’s his market value?

According to Transfermarkt, since joining West Ham, his market value has increased from $10.5 million to $37 million, which still is an affordable sum for Manchester United, especially since Bowen is set to become part of the English national team that plays in Qatar.

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