Manchester United have been linked with a move for Ollie Watkins and are now ready to offer Alejandro Garnacho in the deal
The picture of the 2024/25 season that was created at Old Trafford silenced millions of Manchester United fans. The 15th place in the Premier League and the defeat at the hands of Tottenham in the Europa League Final shattered hopes. Being out of European competitions for 2025/26 was nothing less than a nightmare. The arrival of Ruben Amorim in the middle of the season raised a slight hope, but the situation had deteriorated so much that no miracle happened. Now for 2025/26, United have neither Champions League nor Europa, only domestic matches and a broken team.
The club made some quick decisions in the ongoing summer transfer window. Two important names, like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, arrived at Old Trafford. A young player named Diogo Leon was also added. However, the big truth is that the lack of a striker is still clearly visible. Last season, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failed miserably. Amorim’s system is fast and needs a striker who can score goals consistently in the Premier League and lead the team from the front.
A big decision to be made for Ollie Watkins
According to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, Manchester United could now take a different route to bring in Aston Villa star striker Ollie Watkins. The report suggests that Alejandro Garnacho could be included in the deal, along with some money. Garnacho is no longer Amorim’s first choice, with United still not receiving any concrete offers for the Argentine, and the club are in dire need of revenue under FFP rules. So a deal that could solve both problems is emerging.
Watkins has scored in double figures in the last five Premier League seasons. The Englishman is a hard-working, fast, and tactically savvy striker. His contribution to Aston Villa has been tremendous. The Englishman could fit into Amorim’s high-pressing style. He has Premier League experience and can excel with his link-up traits as well.
Giving Garnacho for Watkins, risk or wisdom?
Losing Alejandro Garnacho is not going to be easy. He is becoming part of the United DNA of passion, pace and a little bit of recklessness. However, the reality is that if Amorim doesn’t see him in the plans and we are out of European football, the club will now have to think practically. Watkins is 29 years old and scored 17 goals in the last season. He is an established Premier League striker.
Rasmus Hojlund is still not ready, and Joshua Zirkzee’s form is up one day, down the next. Watkins is the link that could add to this lineup. His finishing, work rate, and ability to push the game forward match Amorim’s pressing system. Bold decisions are necessary if we want to move forward, and adding Garnacho to the deal is perhaps part of that bold thinking. It’s a sign that United are now focusing on concrete results, not just possibilities. Bringing in Watkins could take us two steps further.