Manchester United Urged to Sign Ollie Watkins Amid Hojlund Struggles
Paul Parker has advised Manchester United to bid for Aston Villa’s £60m-rated striker Ollie Watkins, who scored 16 goals and 8 assists last season. Despite Rasmus Hojlund’s desire to stay, his record of 26 goals in 95 games has disappointed.
Paul Parker has advised Manchester United to bid for Aston Villa’s £60m-rated striker Ollie Watkins, who scored 16 goals and 8 assists last season. Despite Rasmus Hojlund’s desire to stay, his record of 26 goals in 95 games has disappointed. Manager Ruben Amorim wants a reliable striker to boost United’s Champions League hopes.
In the summer 2025 transfer window, Manchester United are actively seeking a top-class striker, with Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins emerging as a £60 million target. United legend Paul Parker has urged the club to sign Watkins, praising his work ethic, aerial ability, and consistent goal-scoring, noting his 16 goals and 8 assists in 31 Premier League starts last season. Despite Villa’s reluctance to sell, United have reportedly made contact with Watkins’ representatives.
While United have already secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves and are pursuing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, manager Ruben Amorim’s main concern remains finding a prolific centre-forward. Current options Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled to deliver, with Hojlund scoring just 26 goals and providing 6 assists in 95 appearances since his 2023 arrival.
Despite interest from Inter Milan, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Hojlund wants to stay at Old Trafford. However, Parker believes United may find it difficult to offload him due to his underwhelming performances. With additional competition for Mbeumo and Everton targeting United’s midfield targets, United must act swiftly if they wish to secure Watkins and strengthen their squad for a top-four Premier League finish.