Ollie Watkins can follow in the footsteps of Sir Alex Ferguson’s treble-winning striker by signing for Man Utd

Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo is United’s next top target, but a natural centre forward will soon become the focus.

Reports this week suggest that United are interested in Ollie Watkins, though Aston Villa will command a hefty price tag.

Ruben Amorim could repeat Dwight Yorke success with Ollie Watkins move

Villa allegedly want £60million for Watkins, a fee United are unwilling to pay as things stand.

Offloading fringe players may help United come up with a deal for Watkins, who would bring a proven Premier League goalscoring record to Old Trafford.

Watkins has hit double figures in each of his five Premier League campaigns since joining Villa from Brentford in 2020.

Now sitting on 75 goals in 184 Premier League games, Watkins could make an instant impact in this United attack, and his arrival would bring memories of Dwight Yorke making the same move.

Sir Alex Ferguson raided Villa to sign Yorke in 1998, snapping up the Trinidadian striker after 73 goals in 231 league appearances.

Yorke immediately made a huge impact at Old Trafford as he bagged 51 goals in his first two seasons, firing United to glory in the process.

Yorke formed a legendary connection with Andy Cole and helped United win the treble in his first season at Old Trafford.

After shining for Villa, Yorke became a truly vital signing for United, and one of the club’s finest achievements may not have been possible without him.

Now, nobody is expecting Watkins to fire United to a treble any time soon, but he can bring a consistent source of attacking quality to a goal-shy Red Devils side.

What Dwight Yorke has said about Ollie Watkins

Yorke was a fine signing by Ferguson, and the former United striker has previously given a resounding verdict on Watkins.

Speaking to FourFourTwo in September 2024, Yorke admitted that he actually sees a lot of his own game in Watkins.

Yorke praised Watkins for his finishing as well as his creativity, dribbling and work rate, believing that he is a ‘top, top player’.

“I see a lot of myself in Ollie Watkins,” said Yorke. “He’s a creator, a dribbler and a finisher, a bit like I was back in the day.

“You saw from his number of goals and assists last term that he has a little bit of everything. His work ethic is also admirable.

“He’s a top, top player. You don’t get to that level, scoring that many goals and contributing creatively, unless you’re a fantastic footballer,” he added.

Yorke was the last striker to swap Villa Park for Old Trafford, and Watkins could follow in his footsteps more than 25 years on – hopefully with similar success in front of goal.