Manchester United initiate Watkins talks — move hinges on Højlund’s future

Manchester United have made initial contact for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins in search of a new dimension to their attacking options this summer. However, the club plans to pursue the move only if Rasmus Højlund leaves. According to The Athletic, talks have begun, but the process will hinge on Højlund’s situation.

Højlund’s status is key: Inter interested

Following the appointment of manager Ruben Amorim, the performances of Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee have fallen short of expectations. In particular, Højlund’s inconsistency has strengthened the possibility of his departure. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Champions League finalists Inter have added the Danish striker to their shortlist. In light of this, Manchester United have initiated contact with Ollie Watkins. The Athletic reports that United’s interest in Watkins depends on whether Højlund leaves the club.

Watkins’ statistics impress

The 29-year-old Watkins made 54 competitive appearances for Aston Villa during the 2024/25 season, contributing 17 goals and 14 assists. He featured in all 38 Premier League games, scoring 16 goals and providing 8 assists. In the Champions League, where Villa reached the quarter-finals, Watkins played every match, registering 1 goal and 4 assists in 12 appearances. He also made 4 appearances in the FA Cup, delivering 2 assists despite not scoring.

Rashford offered in swap, Villa rejected

According to The Athletic, Marcus Rashford’s name came up in the discussions between Manchester United and Aston Villa. United offered Rashford in a potential swap deal for Ollie Watkins, but Villa swiftly rejected the proposal. Despite Rashford spending the second half of last season on loan at Villa, Villa opted against activating the purchase clause.

Barcelona’s influence on Rashford

According to Sky Sports and the Daily Mail, Rashford is reportedly growing more receptive to a move abroad. Barcelona’s longstanding interest is believed to be a key factor behind his considerations. It is reported that Rashford wants a fresh start and seeks to redefine himself in a different football culture, with the Spanish giant holding a special place in that plan.

Gyökeres is the priority, Watkins a strong alternative

According to The Athletic and ESPN, Viktor Gyökeres is Manchester United’s primary target for the striker position. However, with the Swedish forward prioritising a move to Arsenal, United are also exploring alternative profiles. Watkins’ proven Premier League pedigree and tactical profile have made him one of the standout options in this search.

Watkins remains on the radar despite Cunha deal

Although Manchester United have already signed Matheus Cunha, they have also reached out to Ollie Watkins for a more traditional centre-forward role. According to The Athletic, Watkins’ consistency in the Premier League and his distinct profile reveal that the club is still looking to bolster its attacking line.

Watkins’ player profile: a modern centre-forward

Watkins has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most reliable and tactically versatile strikers in recent years, known for his consistency and versatility on the pitch. He is not a traditional penalty-box poacher. Instead, he is a dynamic forward who makes constant runs behind defences, drifts wide to create space for teammates, and drops deep to collect the ball and influence play. In this regard, he is not just a finisher but also plays a key role in linking the attack. Under Unai Emery, he has taken on system-based responsibilities, participating in the high press and playing a crucial role in transition phases. His athleticism, turn of pace and unyielding work rate make him a tiring threat for opposing defenders.

Watkins is technically sound, effective with both feet, and uses his positional awareness to capitalise on opportunities instinctively. He has a natural knack for sensing and exploiting openings. While his finishing can be inconsistent at times, his ability to deliver double-digit goal contributions in five consecutive Premier League seasons demonstrates his reliability as a scorer. Moreover, his increasing number of assists shows that his impact on the team goes beyond goals. Watkins combines positional intelligence, physical strength and passing ability to embody the modern centre-forward archetype.

Like any player, he has areas to improve. At times, he struggles to influence high-stakes matches or becomes isolated in the box. His modest return of just one goal in 12 Champions League games during the 2024/25 season supports this observation. Nevertheless, his development curve suggests he appears both mentally and physically equipped to thrive at the highest level. Watkins has the strength to be a target man in the Premier League and the discipline to fit into the systems of bigger clubs in Europe. For a club like Manchester United, he offers a mature and responsible figure who can lead a youthful attack. The synergy he established with Jhon Durán at Villa could translate well to a potential partnership with Matheus Cunha, should the move materialise.

The transfer hinges on Højlund

Despite all these developments, Manchester United have not yet submitted an official bid for Ollie Watkins. According to The Athletic, the club will only make a move for Watkins if Rasmus Højlund leaves. Højlund’s future remains uncertain, and although Inter are interested, nothing definitive has taken place. Therefore, any pursuit of Watkins remains on ice until clarity emerges over the shape of United’s attacking line. United’s management is aware that any attacking addition will directly impact the squad balance and budget. Once Højlund’s future is resolved, steps towards Watkins could accelerate.