Kobbie Mainoo and Ollie Watkins developed a close relationship during Euro 2024, which could have blossomed had the Red Devils pursued the Aston Villa striker this window with more vigour
Watkins and Mainoo during Euro 2024
Ollie Watkins and Kobbie Mainoo have bonded during their time with England
(Image: Getty)
Kobbie Mainoo and Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins already boast a strong connection, which could have been strengthened at Manchester United if this summer's transfer dealings had gone differently.
Earlier in the window, the Red Devils considered a move for Watkins but ultimately opted for Benjamin Sesko, whose £74million transfer to Old Trafford was confirmed on Saturday.
Fans are keen to see the Slovenian striker make his mark, but his lack of Premier League experience is a cause for some caution, especially with the struggles of Rasmus Hojlund still in recent memory. Watkins might not have been the more glamorous choice for United, but Mainoo's high regard for the England forward hints he might have preferred that path.
Despite an age gap of nearly ten years, Mainoo and Villa's Watkins developed a notable friendship during Euro 2024. Following Watkins' thrilling last-minute goal that secured England's semi-final win against the Netherlands, Mainoo succinctly captured the moment on Instagram.
"Clutch," commented the United midfielder on Watkins' celebratory post, a sentiment clearly reciprocated. Earlier in the competition, when asked about Mainoo, Watkins didn't skimp on praise.
"He doesn't act his age," the Villans ace shared with ITV. "He's very mature on and off the pitch. Again, unbelievable English talent. [He's] got the world at his feet. I can't speak more highly of him. He's athletic and the composure on the ball - to take the ball and receive it in tight areas as a midfielder.
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins (centre) celebrates scoring
Watkins was targeted by United this summer(Image: PA)
"I think that sets you apart, especially for the way we want to play. He is so comfortable on the ball. You can see why he's so comfortable on the ball."
This mutual respect indicates that Watkins and United could have easily gelled at club level if he had made the switch to Old Trafford this summer. However, any thoughts of such a partnership are now on hold, reports the Mirror.
With Sesko's signing putting an end to United's immediate search for a striker, Watkins' potential move is no longer on the cards, although it's believed that the 29-year-old is still held in high regard at Old Trafford and might be considered for a future transfer.
Nonetheless, United are hopeful they won't need to revisit that option. A staggering sum exceeding £200m has been invested in a fresh attacking trio, with Sesko joining Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in an extensive summer overhaul.
Mbeumo bagged 20 goals in the Premier League for Brentford last term, while Cunha notched up 15 for Wolves. Sesko scored 13 times in the Bundesliga for RB Leipzig, three less than Watkins' tally for Villa.
Despite this, there's a wave of optimism at Old Trafford and elsewhere about Sesko's potential. The 22-year-old, previously linked with Arsenal, has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland and Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to his combination of physical and technical prowess.
For the time being, it will be Sesko, not Watkins, who will be on the receiving end of Mainoo's passes at Old Trafford. The duo will need to develop their own rapport, but with Mainoo's calmness in midfield and Sesko's agility up front, the groundwork is set.
Nevertheless, the camaraderie between Mainoo and Watkins during Euro 2024 serves as a poignant reminder of the partnership that could have been, and one that United might consider revisiting should circumstances shift.