Manchester United's pursuit of a striker in the coming window could massively bolster their hopes of reaching the top half of the Premier League and into European contention once again - and David Ornstein believes that the Red Devils have held 'enquiries' over a move for Aston Villa hero Ollie Watkins.
The Red Devils suffered their worst-ever finish in the Premier League last season, coming 15th in a campaign that was laden with poor results, even worse performances and some horrifying defeats in a dismal year for Ruben Amorim, who took over the helm in November.
Ornstein: United 'Hold Enquiries' over Ollie Watkins Move
The Villa star has been one of the best strikers in the Premier League for some time
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins pointing
They've already looked to rectify that this summer with the signing of Matheus Cunha, whilst a deal taking Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo is edging closer to completion.
Ollie Watkins' Premier League statistics - Aston Villa squad ranking
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Appearances
Goals
Aerials Won Per Game
Shots Per Game
Key Passes Per Game
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However, with Rasmus Hojlund failing to pull up any trees last year, United will look to replace the Dane - and Watkins is a potential target.
And, according to Ornstein, United do have the England international on their radar - and they may have already held enquiries over a potential move, despite Villa's intention to keep hold of their star. He said on The Athletic's YouTube channel:
"Ollie Watkins, as reported by our colleague Laurie Whitwell, is among those on Manchester United's recruitment list. I'd be surprised if he wasn't on the recruitment list of top clubs.
"He's such a good striker and a good lad, and they've maybe held some enquiries with his camp. I'm not sure if that's gone to Villa directly.
"From my conversations with Villa, they see themselves as having no intention to part with Ollie Watkins. They want him to continue with him up front for them."
Watkins has been one of the top-flight's most prolific strikers in each of his five seasons at the top level, having notched double figures in each of those - including the last two where he registered 19 in 2023/24 and 16 in 2024/25 respectively.
75 goals in 184 appearances for Villa in the Premier League is an enticing prospect for any interested club, and United need consistency to help out other top stars such as Bruno Fernandes, who has been one of their only continually-performing stars in the past few years, if they are to reach Europe via the league once again.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 06-07-25.
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