Manchester United’s rebuild has focused on midfield reinforcements — but their eyes may now be turning to a winger with a troubled past.
Bologna Ready to Cash In
Manchester United are keeping tabs on Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe, according to Italian outlet Corriere di Bologna. Having already added Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, goalkeeper Karl Darlow and young winger Tynan Thompson this summer, United could round out the rebuild with a marquee wide addition. Bologna, who missed out on European football last season, have slapped a £34 million price tag on the 23-year-old, with fellow squad member Jhon Lucumi also tipped to leave for funds.
A Talent With Baggage
Rowe’s career has been shaped as much by conflict as by ability. He arrived at Bologna from Marseille after just one Ligue 1 season, having been sold by his previous club following a dressing-room bust-up with Adrien Rabiot. The pattern has resurfaced in Italy, with Rowe nearly involved in a head-butt incident during a 4-0 defeat to Arminia Bielefeld this month. United may hesitate regardless of the price: they’re unlikely to invest heavily in a left winger unless Marcus Rashford departs, and even then, a player with disciplinary concerns may not suit a club on the uptrend under manager Michael Carrick.
Verdict
Rowe has the talent to excite United’s rebuild, but his track record raises real questions about dressing-room fit. Is this a gamble Old Trafford is actually willing to take?