Manchester United Shows Desperate Interest in Aston Villa Striker Ollie Watkins Amid Attacking Woe
June 23, 2025 – Manchester, England
Manchester United have reportedly turned their attention to Aston Villa’s star striker Ollie Watkins, as the club faces mounting pressure to resolve its ongoing attacking crisis. Sources close to Old Trafford indicate that United are seriously considering a move for the prolific England international, whose consistent performances in the Premier League have caught the eyes of several top clubs.
After a disappointing 2024/25 season where Manchester United struggled to score goals and finished outside the Champions League places, the Red Devils are understood to be looking for immediate reinforcements in the forward line. With Anthony Martial’s future uncertain, Rasmus Højlund’s development still ongoing, and the team’s overall lack of cutting edge in front of goal, Watkins has emerged as a prime target.
Watkins: A Proven Premier League Talent
Ollie Watkins, 29, is coming off a stellar campaign with Aston Villa, where he scored 20 goals and assisted 9 more in the league, helping Unai Emery’s side secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in decades. His blend of pace, work rate, physical presence, and finishing ability has made him one of the most complete and dependable forwards in English football.
Watkins’ versatility — being able to lead the line as a lone striker or work in tandem with a partner — is seen as a major plus by United’s technical staff. The forward also boasts valuable Premier League and European experience, a crucial factor for a United side looking to restore its former glory under manager Erik ten Hag.
United’s Desperation Mounts
Manchester United’s interest in Watkins comes amid what insiders describe as “desperate measures” by the club hierarchy. After missing out on multiple forward targets over the past two windows, including long-standing pursuits of players like Victor Osimhen and Randal Kolo Muani, the club is now pivoting toward more attainable — yet still elite — Premier League-based options.
The desperation is compounded by the growing dissatisfaction among fans and pundits over the club’s lack of transfer efficiency, especially in securing attacking firepower. United scored just 52 goals last season — their lowest tally in a Premier League campaign — and failed to register a consistent goalscorer aside from Bruno Fernandes and Højlund in patches.
Watkins is viewed as someone who could hit the ground running, requiring no adaptation period to the league or its physical demands.
Aston Villa Reluctant to Sell
However, any pursuit of Watkins will not be straightforward. Aston Villa are reportedly reluctant to part ways with their talisman, especially as they prepare to return to the Champions League stage. Watkins recently signed a new long-term contract in late 2023, keeping him at Villa Park until 2028. Villa manager Unai Emery sees him as central to the club’s ambitions, and any potential sale would require a massive offer — likely upwards of £75 million.
Club sources at Villa have indicated that they have not received any official bid from United yet but are aware of their interest. They remain adamant that Watkins is not for sale and hope the player’s loyalty to the club’s long-term vision will outweigh any external temptations.
Watkins’ Perspective
As of now, Ollie Watkins has not made any public comments regarding United’s interest. The striker, currently with the England squad preparing for the final stages of UEFA Euro 2024, is believed to be focused on the tournament. However, close sources suggest he is flattered by the interest from a club of United’s stature and would consider his options after the Euros.
The decision may come down to Watkins’ desire to either continue building something historic at Aston Villa or take on the challenge of restoring one of foo
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