Man United told to avoid signing 16-goal Premier League striker as replacement for Rasmus Hojlund
If Manchester United want to become serial Premier League winners again, then signing Ollie Watkins isn’t the answer. That’s the view of talkSPORT’s Rory Jennings as United continue their summer plans to bring new attacking talent to Old Trafford. Watkins has become a potential summer target for UnitedGetty talkSPORT understands that there is a possibility of Ruben Amorim’s side making a move for the Aston Villa striker. Watkins scored 50 Premier League goals across the last three seasons and was linked with a shock January move to Arsenal. It’s understood that nothing is advanced in terms of United’s pursuit, with a deal being dependent on sales. One of those could be Rasmus Hojlund, but Jennings believes United should steer clear of Watkins should the opportunity arise. “What?” he said in response to the rumour on The Transfer Insiders. “Watkins to Manchester United? I mean, that is just not what they need at all, is it?” “They don’t need a proven goalscorer in the Premier League?” he was asked, but insisted: “No, they don’t. They don’t need Ollie Watkins. “There’s no way that Ollie Watkins can be the answer to elevate Manchester United back to their former glory. Ollie Watkins isn’t that player. “Whether he’s better than Rasmus Hojlund or not, this would be so underwhelming for Manchester United fans, surely?” Jennings later added: “Manchester United and Arsenal are far better than Ollie Watkins.” Despite consistently showing his quality, United have been told not to sign himAFP talkSPORTJennings doesn’t believe the Villa star can take United to the next level[/caption] Should Hojlund leave, Watkins could be the man to replace himGetty Watkins has a contract at Villa that runs until 2028 and entered the summer off the back of a 16-goal campaign. The 29-year-old also bagged eight assists in the Premier League and is eyed as one of the best forwards outside of the ‘Big Six’. United, who ended the 2024/25 campaign in 15th, have had little success in front of goal with Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee up front. Just four and three league goals were scored by the two respectively as Amorim and co. endured a disastrous campaign. talkSPORT understands Amorim wants to keep Zirkzee and would rather sell Hojlund this summer. Serie A giants Inter Milan have shown an interest in the Danish striker. Amorim will hope his new attacking signings can make the difference next seasonGetty Ollie Watkins record in the Premier League 2020/21: Appearances – 37 Goals – 14 Assists – 5 2021/22: Appearances – 35 Goals – 11 Assists – 2 2022/23: Appearances – 37 Goals – 15 Assists – 6 2023/24: Appearances – 37 Goals – 19 Assists – 15 2024/25: Appearances – 38 Goals – 16 Assists – 8 Total: Appearances – 184 Goals – 75 Assists – 36 United have already made moves to address their attacking issues ahead of the start of next season. Matheus Cunha has signed from Wolves in a £62.5million move and is expected to play in the no. 10 role. United have also been engaged in talks with Brentford for Bryan Mbuemo, with the west London side holding out for a £60m fee. Watkins could also become a new arrival and a signing that could boost the club’s chances of rising back up the Premier League table. Watch all of the FIFA Club World Cup free on DAZN. Sign up now so you don’t miss any of the action. *Clicking on a DAZN link in this article may earn talkSPORT affiliate revenue

If Manchester United want to become serial Premier League winners again, then signing Ollie Watkins isn’t the answer.
That’s the view of talkSPORT’s Rory Jennings as United continue their summer plans to bring new attacking talent to Old Trafford.
talkSPORT understands that there is a possibility of Ruben Amorim’s side making a move for the Aston Villa striker.
Watkins scored 50 Premier League goals across the last three seasons and was linked with a shock January move to Arsenal.
It’s understood that nothing is advanced in terms of United’s pursuit, with a deal being dependent on sales.
One of those could be Rasmus Hojlund, but Jennings believes United should steer clear of Watkins should the opportunity arise.
“What?” he said in response to the rumour on The Transfer Insiders.
“Watkins to Manchester United? I mean, that is just not what they need at all, is it?”
“They don’t need a proven goalscorer in the Premier League?” he was asked, but insisted: “No, they don’t. They don’t need Ollie Watkins.
“There’s no way that Ollie Watkins can be the answer to elevate Manchester United back to their former glory. Ollie Watkins isn’t that player.
“Whether he’s better than Rasmus Hojlund or not, this would be so underwhelming for Manchester United fans, surely?”
Jennings later added: “Manchester United and Arsenal are far better than Ollie Watkins.”
Watkins has a contract at Villa that runs until 2028 and entered the summer off the back of a 16-goal campaign.
The 29-year-old also bagged eight assists in the Premier League and is eyed as one of the best forwards outside of the ‘Big Six’.
United, who ended the 2024/25 campaign in 15th, have had little success in front of goal with Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee up front.
Just four and three league goals were scored by the two respectively as Amorim and co. endured a disastrous campaign.
talkSPORT understands Amorim wants to keep Zirkzee and would rather sell Hojlund this summer.
Serie A giants Inter Milan have shown an interest in the Danish striker.
Ollie Watkins record in the Premier League
2020/21:
- Appearances – 37
- Goals – 14
- Assists – 5
2021/22:
- Appearances – 35
- Goals – 11
- Assists – 2
2022/23:
- Appearances – 37
- Goals – 15
- Assists – 6
2023/24:
- Appearances – 37
- Goals – 19
- Assists – 15
2024/25:
- Appearances – 38
- Goals – 16
- Assists – 8
Total:
- Appearances – 184
- Goals – 75
- Assists – 36
United have already made moves to address their attacking issues ahead of the start of next season.
Matheus Cunha has signed from Wolves in a £62.5million move and is expected to play in the no. 10 role.
United have also been engaged in talks with Brentford for Bryan Mbuemo, with the west London side holding out for a £60m fee.
Watkins could also become a new arrival and a signing that could boost the club’s chances of rising back up the Premier League table.
Watch all of the FIFA Club World Cup free on DAZN. Sign up now so you don’t miss any of the action.
*Clicking on a DAZN link in this article may earn talkSPORT affiliate revenue