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. <\/p>
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.<\/p>
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<\/a> and continues to pursue Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. However, a more traditional centre-forward remains their priority.<\/p> 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.<\/p> 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.<\/p>