Bowen is West Ham's 'captain fantastic'

West Ham manager Graham Potter has labelled skipper Jarrod Bowen as a "fantastic captain" after his goal against Manchester United in their Premier League Summer Series opener on Saturday.

Potter is trying to put his stamp on the Hammers after failing to make much of an impression in his first half season in charge after replacing Julen Lopetegui in January.

The funds raised from the sale of winger Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham for £55m earlier this month are having to be spent wisely and, last week, England defender Kyle Walker-Peters became the club's fourth signing of the summer.

But in Bowen, Potter has someone with vast experience with the east London outfit.

The 28-year-old has made 238 appearances and scored 74 goals for the club since joining from Hull for £18m in January 2020.

He was on target in Saturday's 2-1 defeat by United at the MetLife Stadium and would have equalised in stoppage time had it not been for an excellent save by Altay Bayindir.

As he tries to improve the rest of the team, Potter knows Bowen is someone he can rely on.

"He is a fantastic captain," said Potter. "How he has led the team, grown into the role and taken responsibility.

"He speaks so well to the players, with authority, calmness and respect.

"He is fantastic for West Ham. He understands the club and what is required and leads by example."