Manchester United have already secured the signature of Bryan Mbeumo this summer, but the club remain firmly in the hunt for another forward to bolster Ruben Amorim’s attacking options.
Mbeumo joined from Brentford in a £65 million deal earlier this month after a lengthy transfer saga.
The 25-year-old became Man United’s second major attacking addition of the summer following the £62.5 million arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
While Mbeumo has been in the spotlight since his move to Old Trafford, it’s his former teammate who has been tipped to move to the Red Devils.
Bryan Mbeumo hails Man United transfer target Ollie Watkins
The Red Devils have identified Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins as an ideal target for the striker position, as Amorim continues to demand signings with Premier League experience.
However, any move for the England international could prove challenging, with Villa valuing him at £60 million – a fee that would complicate negotiations for United, considering their delicate financial situation.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, Mbeumo revealed his admiration for Watkins from the season they played together at Brentford.
He said: ” We had Ollie, who I got to know over time. I think he’s really complete.
“He’s like a complete striker. He can do a lot of things.”
Although Mbeumo would relish a reunion with the 29-year-old, any potential deal for the striker will likely hinge on outgoings with forwards such as Antony and Alejandro Garnacho, all facing uncertain futures under Amorim.
Ollie Watkins’ statistics 2024/25
Watkins enjoyed an excellent season last term with Villa, registering 17 goals and 14 assists in 54 appearances across all competitions.
His numbers further cemented his status as one of the most clinical strikers in the Premier League, and his form inevitably attracted interest from top clubs.
| Appearances | 54 |
| Goals | 17 |
| Assists | 14 |
In stark contrast, Amorim’s forward line struggled for consistency, managing just 44 Premier League goals as a team, highlighting the need for a clinical, all-round striker like Watkins.
Rasmus Hojlund scored just four Premier League goals last season, with just one assist, while he netted ten across all competitions with four assists overall.
The Danish striker’s struggles have only been emphasised by Joshua Zirkzee, who is a different profile of forward, but still only managed seven goals and three assists in total last season.
While Man United have upgraded their other attacking options this summer, the centre-forward position is one that is still seemingly on their radar.