Roy Keane believes Ollie Watkins has what it takes to succeed at “bigger clubs” amid Man United interest
Man United legend Roy Keane believes Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins can perform for “bigger clubs” in the Premier League should he choose to leave Villa Park in the summer.
The 28-year-old has been in red-hot form for the Villians in what has been a remarkable campaign under Unai Emery, who has taken the side from relegation worries last season to Champions League football for the first time in over four decades.
Villa’s Champions League qualification was confirmed on Tuesday as Spurs lost 2-0 at home to Man City.
“He [Watkins] could play for one of the top teams, couldn’t he? Villa are a top team but you’re talking about bigger clubs in Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City.
“That’s a compliment to him, not that he has to leave Villa. But he’s capable of doing it. The kid is so sharp. He has a great shape to him.
“His movement is as good as any striker in the Premier League. He’s having an amazing season.”
Keane speaking to Sky Sports on Watkins, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News
Having moved to Villa in 2020, Watkins has gone from strength to strength, having broken into the senior England setup and established himself as one of the most potent strikers in the Premier League.
Watkins’ replacement at Brentford, Ivan Toney, has also established himself over the past four years at the same level and is also attracting interest from big-name Premier League sides ahead of an imminent move away from the Gtech Community Stadium this summer.
Watkins doesn’t have to move next summer but would be a good fit for United
Much like Toney, Watkins is a striker in his prime that can help United next season.
Rasmus Højlund’s first season at Old Trafford has been promising, but he needs support to grow into the player who could assume the primary striker duties in the coming years, and someone like Watkins would help ease his burden and help him grow at a steadier pace and in a more consistent manner.
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Watkins is not only an excellent converter of chances, but he is also very good with his link-up play and can stay central or play out wide as per requirements; he’s a complete forward, meaning United can go for someone like him without worrying about who the manager will be come next season.
That said, Watkins will likely have better project options in the summer than United. Then again, he is already at a club that will be playing Champions League football next season.
