Manchester United Reaches Out to Striker Target as Hojlund Departure Looms
Manchester United are seeking to strengthen their striker position during the summer transfer window, with reports suggesting they have set their sights on Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins.
According to The Athletic, both clubs have initiated discussions to assess the feasibility of a potential transfer. However, there's a crucial condition: Rasmus Højlund would need to depart Old Trafford before Manchester United could pursue this move. Reports indicate that Man Utd and Aston Villa explored the possibility of incorporating Marcus Rashford into the deal, considering the England forward's loan spell during the latter half of the season under Unai Emery's management.
Villa rejected both proposals - neither exercising Rashford's purchase option nor including Watkins in any arrangement, given the player's desire to join Barcelona this summer.
Watkins netted 16 goals across 38 league matches in the recent campaign while contributing eight assists. In the previous season, he achieved double figures in both categories with 19 goals and 13 assists. The striker brings European competition experience, having participated in the Champions League last term. Watkins has previously been connected with a potential switch to Arsenal in earlier transfer periods.
Both Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggled to make an impact under Ruben Amorim during his inaugural season, prompting the Portuguese manager to seek improvements. The Danish forward has been rumored to join Champions League runners-up Inter, though his destination remains uncertain.
Beyond their interest in Bryan Mbeumo, Man Utd acquired Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer to provide creative and adaptable attacking options. However, Watkins's experience profile offers more maturity in the forward line compared to the younger players mentioned.
At 29 years of age, Watkins has consistently reached double-digit goal tallies in each of his last five Premier League campaigns, featuring regularly for Villa under various managers. Watkins also serves as an alternative option since Viktor Gyökeres, Amorim's former striker at Sporting CP, has prioritized a move to Arsenal this summer.