Watch as West Ham star Jarrod Bowen scores v Manchester United at MetLife Stadium

Jarrod Bowen looks set to play another role of huge significance for West Ham this season.

Had it not been for Bowen, this summer could have had an entirely different feel at the London Stadium, and as it stands, it may be a similar feeling in the new campaign.

The Hammers are yet to make any big improvements to their squad, having been significantly weakened by the exit of Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham.

However, Bowen looks set to pick up where he left off for the Irons, with a goal scored in West Ham’s pre-season friendly against Man United, which ended in a 2-1 defeat.

Jarrod Bowen
Credit: Imago

West Ham fall to 2-1 defeat against the Red Devils

It was a full-strength side for both sides at MetLife Stadium, with Man United opening the scoring after just five minutes through Bruno Fernandes.

The Portuguese international then got his second of the game seven minutes after half-time, to double Ruben Amorim’s side’s lead.

Michail Antonio 68
Jarrod Bowen56
Paolo Di Canio47
Mark Noble47
Carlton Cole41
Most Premier League goals for West Ham

Bowen was able to pull one back for West Ham shortly after, with a superb right-footed finish after getting the best of Ayden Heaven inside the penalty area.

It was one of just three shots on target for the Hammers, who dominated possession throughout the clash, but failed to make it count.

Graham Potter cannot afford to rely on Bowen all season

West Ham nearly fell into a relegation battle last season, and much of that comes down to the lack of quality attacking options.

Now, take Kudus out of that, and it is very hard to see where any form of goal threat or creativity is going to come from aside from Bowen.

Graham Potter will be frustrated at the lack of transfer activity, though with three weeks left until the season gets underway, time is on their side to rectify that.

West Ham’s squad needs some serious work done to it if they are to have any chance of progressing in the new campaign.

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