Manchester United can only sign Ollie Watkins if they manage to sell Rasmus Hojlund
Manchester United are living key days in their attempt to regain lost ground in England. The fans are still waiting for firm decisions and clear signs that the club want to compete again with the Premier League giants. Promises are not enough, nor are signings without real impact. The club need players who arrive and perform without delay. Under Ruben Amorim, Old Trafford could finally feel a breath of fresh air. Amorim is not thinking about future promises, he is looking for experience and immediate results. In this situation, the name of Ollie Watkins, the Aston Villa striker who many already see wearing the red shirt, appears.
The Red Devils remain confident of signing Bryan Mbeumo, and now, according to CaughtOffside, the Red Devils’ board is seriously considering a move for Watkins this summer, although they will have to sacrifice Rasmus Hojlundfirst. Amorim sees the 29-year-old as a striker capable of making a difference from the first minute. His contract with Aston Villa expires in 2028, and Arsenal have already tried to sign him in January without success. As of now, if the Gunners fail again on other targets, they could go back in for him, but United have him as their number one priority.
Why is selling Rasmus Hojlund and signing Ollie Watkins needed?
From our perspective, Watkins offers traits that United need like bread. He is quick, he can link up with the midfielders, and he doesn’t flinch against strong opponents. The Englishman also knows every Premier League stadium like the back of his hand, something that is worth gold in a team full of youngsters still searching for their place. His experience would make an immediate difference, which is exactly what Amorim is looking for.
Manchester United are considering a move to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins this summer, but they’ll need to sell Rasmus Hojlund first.
However, selling Hojlund looks a tricky move. The Dane arrived as a great promise but has not established himself. The same goes for Zirkzee, whose impact was very limited. In this sense, selling one or even both of them would open up salary and sporting space for Watkins. The gamble has risks.
Watkins is not infallible; his scoring rate remains stable, but he is not a killer who guarantees thirty goals per season. Moreover, parting with Hojlund so soon could send the message that United do not have the patience to develop young talent. Still, the need for immediate results outweighs any romanticism. If Watkins lands at Old Trafford, the pressure will be brutal, but Amorim seems convinced that this move will pay off from day one.