Manchester United were among several top European clubs scouting Kenyan international Timothy Ouma during Thursday’s Europa League clash between his team, IF Elfsborg, and AS Roma at the Boris Arena according to reports in Sweden.Ouma played the full 90 minutes, contributing to a vital 1-0 win over the Serie A side, secured by a penalty goal from Ghanaian midfielder Michael Baidoo.##NAJAVA_MECA_3066##The match drew scouts from major clubs, including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Sociedad, Bologna, Genoa, and AFC Bournemouth.In addition to Ouma, Elfsborg’s 32-year-old head coach Oscar Hiljemark, who has garnered attention for guiding the Swedish club to the Europa League group stage, was also under observation.According to Aftonbladet, Ouma, Baidoo, and Besfort Zeneli were the key players being tracked by the scouts. Manchester United, in particular, have in recent months shifted their recruitment focus to young players, and at just 20, Ouma perfectly fits the bill.This season has been a breakthrough for Ouma, who, after spending the last two years with Elfsborg’s reserves and making sporadic first-team appearances, has now established himself as a crucial player at the club.At just 20, the former Nairobi City Stars midfielder has a bright future ahead.The growing interest in Ouma follows earlier reports linking him to Premier League sides Brentford and Luton Town. In January, there were rumors of a potential move to Serie A club Empoli, though the deal did not materialize.”Brentford and Championship side Luton Town were reportedly scouting Ouma during the match against AZ Alkmaar,” reported The Sun journalist Alan Nixon.AFCONU20Q: Kenya set for crunch showdown against hosts TanzaniaShould a Premier League team secure Ouma’s signature, he would become the first Kenyan to play in the English top flight since Victor Wanyama, who joined Southampton from Celtic in 2013 before moving to Tottenham. However, Kenya’s low FIFA ranking could present a challenge for any interested club due to work permit regulations.Ouma began his professional career at Nairobi City Stars before signing a two-year deal with Elfsborg in 2022. He is also a key member of Kenya’s Harambee Stars squad, which will face Cameroon in a crucial AFCON doubleheader on October 11 and 14.Kenya currently tops Group J, level on points with Cameroon. The local-based players have already reported to camp, with foreign-based stars, including Ouma, expected to join by Sunday ahead of the first leg in Cameroon.Former City Stars striker keen to guide Naivas to promotion
