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Manchester United targets 31g/a experienced poacher over £85.5m risk

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Siddharth Juyal | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 9:11 AM ET

Manchester United have earmarked Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins as one of the potential striker signings if Rasmus Hojlund leaves. Watkins is currently operating in the prime of his career at 29 years of age and has displayed incredible consistency.

The attacking England international has delivered with regular goals and assists for Villa in recent seasons in the Premier League. As the London club face continuous trouble with the financial regulations, there is a potential for a deal this summer.

This news is a subsequent action after Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres outlined his preference to join Arsenal over United. At the same time, United’s other striker option, Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, is young but priced at €100m (£85.5m).

There is a good argument for Man United to target an experienced forward rather than any long-term project like Ekitike. The Red Devils have already signed Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee with the idea of a long-term solution, that failed badly.

Both players have lacked confidence and consistency to establish themselves as regular and reliable first-choice strikers for the club. Meanwhile, Watkins has 17 goals and 14 assists from 54 appearances in all competitions for Vila last season, highlighting his reliability.

According to The Athletic, United want Watkins from Villa if Hojlund leaves the club during the current summer transfer window. However, Hojlund wants to stay and fight for his place under Ruben Amorim, believing that he can turn things around.

While United have faced a lot of financial pressure, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cash injection has temporarily helped ease their trouble. However, it is speculative to think whether the Red Devils could still make a move if Hojlund opts to stay.

Rest assured, Watkins’ profile is exactly what the club should target, as Amorim plans to prioritise quality over quantity. The Red Devils lack European football next season and should make the most out of that situation by finishing as high as possible in the Premier League.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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