Roy Keane has given all his approval on Ollie Watkins who is on his way to Manchester United, while Ruben Amorim is striving for the Aston Villa Striker
Roy Keane believes that Ollie Watkins is able to lead the line for Manchester United while the Red Devils focus on the Aston Villa striker as their top goal. Ruben Amorim has already added Mattheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to his attacking threat for the new season, but he is still looking for a new No. 9 to build his rebuilding.
It seems that United Local shopping for their new signing sessions, with Premier League experience that is clearly appreciated by the club's hierarchy this summer. Villa is determined that Watkins is not for sale, but rather the 29-year-old appreciated £ 60 million, so Old Trafford Chiefs has a benchmark to reach.
United, however, is convinced that a compromise price between £ 40 million and £ 45 million can be agreed between the two parties to secure the services of Watkins. Club icon Keane has previously weighed the Watkins debate and declares that he believes that the striker needs what is needed to tackle the pressure of a large club, as he expressed it.
Speaking at Sky Sports in 2024, the former United -midfielder said: “He could play for one of the top teams, can't he? Villa is a top team, but you are talking about larger clubs in Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City.
“That is a compliment for him, not that he has to leave villa. But he is able to do it.” Keane discussed the then form of the striker and added: “The child is so sharp, he has a great shape for him. His movement is as good as every striker in the Premier League. He has a great season.”
During 54 performances last season, Watkins scored 17 goals and assisted 14 times. This kind of return is exactly what United is looking, because they want to improve what a disaster has been that starts the regime of Amorim.
United already has two strikers in their books in Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, but it is safe to say that the duo is not exactly impressed during their time at the club. In total, Hojlund and Zirzkee scored 17 goals between them, with the solo efforts of Watkins fit together the last time out at Villa.
Zirkzee managed only seven goals and three assists in all competitions for United after his arrival of £ 36.5 million last summer, while £ 72 million men Hojlund 10 goals and four assists hit 52 performances. Amorim is aware that, to achieve his side, he needs a certain level of success, a more proven goal record – and Watkins can be another gear in this puzzle.
In addition to Watkins, the Red Devils also keep an eye on RB Leipzig -striker Benjamin Sesko. The 22-year-old was consistent for a wrestling Bundesliga-side last campaign, scored 13 goals and assisted five times in 33 league games.
Sesko also scored four times on eight Champions League matches for Leipzig, which shows that he can also keep his weight in European competitions. However, a price tag of £ 70 million can be united for United, since they have already fallen more than £ 120 million on Cunha and Mbeumo.
The Red Devils also have other areas to set priorities and are looking for a defensive midfielder and a new keeper. Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir have not convinced Amorim that one of them is able to keep the number 1 sweater, where both sporadically are used during the 2024/25 campaign, not too much success.
The United Boss also hopes to strengthen his midfield with a solid in -depth playmaker, because the veteran status of Casemiro rules him from the starting position. Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte are also both options, but Amorim seems to like to play Mainoo further ahead – and it does not seem that he is happy with the £ 50 million that is paid to get Ugarte from PSG last summer.
But number one on the manager's agenda is a new frontman, and with Newcastle United also in the Race for Sesko's signature, Amorim can opt for Premier League tree tree and a cheaper fee in Watkins. Keane's Seal of Approcoring also ends, given his success in the colors of United in recent years.