Aug 3, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Liverpool and Manchester United players shake hands following their match at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

premier-league

Manchester United Plot Move for Aston Villa Star Ollie Watkins

United have already secured the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves and continues to pursue Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.

Aug 3, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Liverpool and Manchester United players shake hands following their match at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time in Premier League history, Manchester United suffered 18 defeats in a single season during the last campaign. United’s crushing 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final compounded an already dismal season for the Red Devils.

As manager Ruben Amorim prepares for his first summer transfer window at Old Trafford, the Portugese will be eager to overhaul his squad to restore United’s competitive edge in the Premier League. The Red Devil’s season highlighted a need for attacking improvements as the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failed miserably. As a result, Manchester United have reportedly identified Aston Villa Star Ollie Watkins as their priority target.

Manchester United Hold Talks With Aston Villa

United have made initial contact with Aston Villa over a potential move for the England striker Ollie Watkins as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season. The club has already secured the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves and continues to pursue Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. However, a more traditional centre-forward remains their priority.

Watkins has now been added to United’s list of striker targets, with reports indicating that contact between United and Villa has taken place via intermediaries. Talks around the 28-year-old first surfaced during discussions over Marcus Rashford’s proposed loan to Villa Park, although those conversations did not progress at the time.

Notably, Watkins is being seen as a potential replacement should Rasmus Hojlund depart amid interest from several clubs. Watkins could offer a proven Premier League option for manager Ruben Amorim. Villa, meanwhile, may consider a sale to help ease their PSR concerns, despite Watkins being a key figure under Unai Emery.

🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins is on Man United’s list of potential center-forward recruits, according to @TheAthleticFC 🗞️

The striker reportedly could make a move to Old Trafford in the event that Rasmus Højlund leaves. pic.twitter.com/JNbDAYu3Ot
— 433 (@433) June 30, 2025

Ironically, United had considered Watkins as an option last summer before opting to sign Hojlund, who has endured a poor first season at Old Trafford. While a deal for Watkins is still being explored, the forward’s name remains on top of United’s list as they continue to reshape their attack for the upcoming campaign.

Aston Villa

Manchester United

Ollie Watkins

Rasmus Hojlund

Ruben Amorim

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.