Proven Over Potential? Why Ollie Watkins Could Be the Reliable No. 9 Manchester United Need | OneFootball

As Manchester United prepare for a major summer rebuild, the future of their attack remains uncertain. While the club’s focus is currently on completing a deal for Bryan Mbeumo, fresh reports suggest that Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is on United’s shortlist, but only if Rasmus Højlund is sold.

Though not at the top of United’s list, Watkins is viewed as a serious option being explored in the background. Conversations between intermediaries have already taken place, with Watkins flagged as one of the few Premier League strikers who combines consistent output with physical reliability.

And he may just be the perfect man for Manchester United.

Ollie Watkins: Premier League Proven & Relentlessly Consistent

Watkins, now 29 and turning 30 in December, has scored 75 Premier League goals in 184 appearances since joining Villa in the 2020/21 season. He has reached double figures in all five of his top-flight seasons, a level of consistency Manchester United haven’t had up front in years.

Last season alone, he delivered 24 goal contributions in the Premier League, second only to Alexander Isak (29) and Erling Haaland (25) among strikers. That kind of output, combined with his ability to stay fit and available across a full season, makes him a very attractive short-term solution. He may not be the most glamorous name, but Watkins offers something United sorely lack – predictability and goals at the highest level.

Amorim Wants Peak Performers

Ruben Amorim appears to be shifting United’s recruitment strategy. While the club has historically prioritised young, high-ceiling talent like Højlund, recent moves for Matheus Cunha (26) and Bryan Mbeumo (25) suggest a pivot toward players at their peak.

Watkins fits this new profile. He’s a forward who understands Premier League football, thrives on high pressing, and stretches defensive lines with his movement. His energy, intelligent runs, and willingness to work for the team make him a good stylistic match for what Amorim would want in a No. 9.

Højlund’s Uncertain Future

Just two years after his arrival, Rasmus Højlund’s future is under review. Despite his flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency and the financial weight of his £72 million price tag have led to internal conversations about a sale. Whitwell reports that United would prefer a permanent deal if Højlund departs – even if it means accepting less than his current book value of just under £45 million.

Selling Højlund, even at a loss, would create the financial room to strengthen multiple positions. There is firm interest from Inter Milan, and United would prefer a permanent sale over a loan to generate immediate income.

Watkins has emerged as a logical candidate to replace him, not only because of his goal record but also because he wouldn’t require a bedding-in period. He knows the league, is physically durable, and can deliver right away.

Watkins: Smart Move or Short-Term Fix?

Signing Ollie Watkins would go against the recent trend of building for the future, but it might be exactly what Manchester United need right now. He’s not a project. He’s a finished product.

In a season where United desperately need efficiency, goals, and experience, Watkins checks every box. He’s unlikely to generate buzz on social media, but he could quietly become one of the smartest signings of the summer if the club decides to move in that direction.

With Mbeumo closing in, Watkins could be next. If the Højlund domino falls, United may finally opt for substance over potential, and Watkins could be the striker to lead them forward with consistency and class.

Ruben Amorim may have had a striker problem, but Watkins can solve that.

Radar Reality Check – What the Data Tells Us About Watkins, Zirkzee & Højlund

With Manchester United already having Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund in the squad, and Ollie Watkins now linked as a possible addition, comparisons between the three make for timely debate.

The radar chart below reflects Watkins’ strength as a balanced, all-phase striker, contrasting Zirkzee’s technical style and Højlund’s developmental profile.

When looking at the radar chart comparing Ollie Watkins, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund, it becomes clear that each striker brings something different to the table, and it helps explain why Manchester United are considering a potential move for Watkins.

The chart measures performance percentile across key striker metrics: non-penalty goals (NPG), expected goals (xG), aerial duels, passes received, passes into the box, expected assists (xA), and overall attacking options.

Here Is What It Reveals

This visual reinforces the idea that Watkins is the most complete of the strikers, especially if Manchester United want reliability and output right now.

Final Thoughts – The Smart Bet United Can’t Afford To Ignore

The idea of signing a 29-year-old striker may go against Manchester United’s long-term vision, but context matters. It’s not about throwing youth development out the window; it’s about adding balance and guarantees to a team that cannot afford another season of inconsistency.

Watkins brings certainty. He scores goals, stretches defences, presses intelligently and handles the physical demands of the Premier League. He won’t need six months to adapt. He will deliver from day one – something neither Zirkzee nor Højlund can guarantee right now.

With Financial Fair Play forcing tough decisions, every signing has to be calculated. Watkins may not excite the fans like a marquee name would, but he could just be the piece that gives Amorim the stability to build around.

If Manchester United wants to stop rebuilding and start progressing every summer, signing a striker who is already doing it at this level might be the smartest move they can make.