With Joshua Zirkzee’s future uncertain, United officials are eyeing Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins to bolster Michael Carrick’s attack and provide clinical competition for star striker Benjamin Šeško.
Joshua Zirkzee arrived at Manchester United in the summer of 2024 after establishing himself as one of Serie A's standout young forwards during an impressive season with Bologna. His performances helped guide the Italian side to an unlikely UEFA Champions League qualification, prompting strong interest from across Europe before United secured his services in a £36.5 million deal.
Signed under Erik ten Hag, the Dutch international was viewed as a forward capable of offering far more than goals alone. Rather than operating as an out-and-out striker, Zirkzee built his reputation on intelligent movement, technical quality and his ability to bring teammates into play, thriving in a Bologna system that maximised those strengths.
His first season at Old Trafford offered flashes of that potential, particularly during the closing months of the campaign, but progress was halted by injury. The setback not only ended his season prematurely but also disrupted much of his pre-season preparations, leaving him with work to do to regain full fitness and match sharpness.
Competition for places has only intensified since Benjamin Šeško joined the club last summer. With Šeško leading the line when available and Bryan Mbeumo frequently deployed centrally in his absence, Zirkzee has found opportunities difficult to come by, making it harder to establish himself as a regular starter under Michael Carrick.
Despite performing well so far in pre-season, which included an excellent goal against Rosenborg, Zirkzee has shown that he is unfortunately not an out-and-out striker, something that Man Utd need as a good back-up for Šeško, as well as providing competition for the Slovenian forward.
As a result, an experienced forward has been profiled as the best option for United to sign this summer, and SunSport have reported that United are monitoring Ollie Watkins' situation at Aston Villa, and could make an official approach if Zirkee were to be moved on from Old Trafford this summer.
The Dutch forward isn't short of suitors, with several Serie A sides, including Juventus and AS Roma, showing interest in the 25-year-old, but it would most likely be a loan deal rather than a permanent one.
There has been plenty of interest in Watkins, with Arsenal and Fenerbahce also interested in the 30-year-old. The Turkish giants decided against submitting a £30 million bid, while Aston Villa reportedly hold out for a £40 million fee.
As Manchester United prepare to battle on multiple fronts next season, bringing in Ollie Watkins would take United's forward line to the next level. Not only would he provide competition for Šeško, but he would also alleviate some of the pressure on the 23-year-old, despite the Slovenian's fast adaptation to the league and his impressive performances under Michael Carrick.
Unfortunately for Zirkzee, he simply hasn't been a reliable backup, managing just two goals in 24 league games last season. Watkins, on the other hand, has plenty of Premier League pedigree, scoring 91 goals in 221 Premier League games.
He also has some valuable Champions League experience, scoring one and assisting four goals in 12 appearances.
As Manchester United continue to prioritise the midfield and also look at full-back options, the price could end up being an issue, but the signing of Watkins would certainly guarantee goals next season.