Rio Ferdinand mentions one fear he has with Manchester United signing 29-year-old ‘hard worker’

Man Utd interested in Ollie Watkins

One player who perfectly fits the bill for Manchester United in this regard is Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. The 29-year-old ‘hard worker’ has been around the scene for some time now, establishing himself as a reliable goalscorer in the Premier League and it may be now or never for him to move to a big club and continue his career.

Speaking about his former side potentially signing the 29-year-old English international this summer, Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand admitted that he would improve Amorim’s team but revealed the one fear he had with this operation. On his YouTube channel as quoted by Manchester Evening News, here is what he had to say:

“I think he would be a very, very good addition to the Manchester United squad. He’s 29 – and that’s the only drawback for Manchester United. There’s not going to be any sell-on value, which I understand is an issue, but you’ve got to look at the here and now with Manchester United.”

Rio Ferdinand’s concern regarding Watkins is very valid. By signing him as a 29-year-old, Manchester United get to enjoy the prime years of his career and he certainly can contribute for the next 3-4 seasons but they are unlikely to get any sell-on value when they eventually move him on.

Watkins brings immediate impact

However, Man Utd have not been averse to making signings like this. For example, the club brought in Casemiro for a significant fee from Real Madrid at almost the same age if not older and the Brazilian midfielder has gone on to have middling success at Old Trafford. 

By signing Watkins, what the M16 club gets is immediate impact. Ruben Amorim can rest easy knowing he has a very clinical finisher in front of goal which is something that the club has desperately lacked in recent seasons. At the right price, this signing is a no-brainer and the coming days should give a clearer picture on how things progress.