Manchester United retain their interest in Ollie Watkins but asking price a deal breaker
For several seasons, Manchester United have been looking for a solid goal scorer. Every year, there are a mountain of expectations, but the results remain incomplete. Sometimes an injured striker, sometimes an inexperienced forward, sometimes an unbalanced squad, the story remains the same. The 2024-25 season also saw some changes, but the team is still struggling to return to its old form. Despite the new strategy and managerial thinking, the lack of goals was reflected in every performance of United. At this time, the team needs a player who can rejuvenate the frontline, and now hopes are once again pinned on a new name.
United’s attack has looked very weak in the last two seasons. The team finished the last league season with just 44 goals. This figure is worrying for a club that has always been known for their aggressive football. There has been some positivity since the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim, but they need a striker who can make an immediate impact. Signings like Mathias Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo have given life to the frontline, but the void at centre forward is still evident. A team that has been looking for goals in every match is now once again looking at the market, after the underperformance of Rasmus Hojlund.
Manchester United eye Ollie Watkins
According to well-known reporter Ben Jacobs, United have resumed talks for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. The club have made initial contact, but the price of £60 million is still considered too high. If Aston Villa soften their price a little, United could move the deal forward, but Villa will not back down until they find a reliable replacement. Nicolas Jackson is being considered an option that Villa prefer. We have earlier reported about the club’s interest in the Englishman.
Ollie Watkins’ ability and his importance to United
Watkins has proven his worth last season with 16 goals and eight assists in the league. He is a striker who not only scores goals but also lifts the team up. His off-the-ball running, active involvement in high-pressing, and strength in aerial duels make him a perfect fit in Amorim’s system. A team like United desperately need his finishing and link-up play. The Englishman is a player who will make an immediate impact and can also prove to be a mentor to the young forwards.
As Manchester United fans, we believe that a striker like Ollie Watkins is a must in Amorim’s system. The team’s goal-scoring statistics clearly indicate that the frontline lacks edge. Watkins not only scores but also works hard, stretching the backline and linking the attack with the midfield. His physical strength and ability to run into space make him stand out from other forwards.
However, the £60 million tag is a bit high, especially when Villa want to sell him only when they find an alternative. If an alternative like Nicholas Jackson doesn’t come up, Villa won’t do the deal. In such a situation, United will need a plan B. Names like Benjamin Sesko, who is young and fits into INEOS’ long-term strategy, could be options, but he would be worth the same price, maybe. Cheap and impressive names like Dominic Calvert-Lewin can also be considered. Also, it is important to create some financial space by selling players like Rasmus Hojlund, so that the path to bringing Watkins or another striker can be easy. In the end, we would say that if United want to become a goal machine again, then they have to bet on a player like Watkins.