Manchester United Identify This Premier League Striker As A Target: What Will He Bring To Old Trafford? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Manchester Evening News mentioned that Manchester United have identified Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as a target for this summer transfer window. It has been stated that the Red Devils are eyeing a move to acquire the services of the English forward this summer.

Watkins’ Impressive Run Of Form In The Premier League

Watkins enjoyed a decent run of form at the West Midlands club as he put in a run of impressive displays for them in the final third. The English attacker banged in 17 goals and secured 14 assists in 54 matches for Aston Villa last season in all competitions.

The 29-year-old led the line well for the Villans and did well to average 2.84 shots per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He kept 43.9% of his attempts on target. Watkins even distributed possession relatively well after making 72.4% of his attempted passes in the top tier of English football (stats via fbref.com).

Watkins is under contract at Villa Park until the summer of 2028 which could make it difficult for the Red Devils to consider in this transfer period.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 25: Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Aston Villa FC at Old Trafford on May 25, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

What Will Watkins Bring To Manchester United?

Watkins is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet and can make a few driving runs with it in the final third. He has got the eye to play some decisive passes on the offensive end of the field and can strike the ball with venom from long range.

The English sensation is primarily a centre-forward but can also fill in a wide player on either flank if needed. However, he needs to work on improving his link-up play on the offensive end of the field.

Watkins has already proven himself in the Premier League and won’t take much time to adjust to life at Man United. We can expect him to bring more firepower to Ruben Amorim’s frontline. He is more than capable of earning regular first-team football at Old Trafford.

At 29, Watkins is still playing in his prime which makes him a worthy target for the Red Devils to consider in this summer transfer window. Furthermore, he might go on to form a productive partnership with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo at the Theatre of Dreams in the coming seasons.