Manchester United remain in the hunt for a new striker this summer, with a slim list of options now being considered.
While it might have been a pipedream, Manchester United are one signing from revamping the entire attacking department at Old Trafford.
Such drastic measures were needed, with Ruben Amorim’s attack which regularly consisted of underwhelming attacking options like Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.
The summer transfer window first saw United sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves, before last week, United completed the signing of Bryan Mbeumo which saw the club upgrade two thirds of the front-line.
Cunha and Mbeumo are two of the best forwards in the Premier League, and together they combined for 35 goals in the league last season, infinitely upgrading on the 44 goal squad from last season.
After Mbeumo arrived, Fabrizio Romano claimed that United were set to sign a striker next, with several options being rumoured at the moment.
Now, Rio Ferdinand’s pick for the new striker has been made.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty ImagesRio Ferdinand advocates for Ollie Watkins at Manchester United
Having missed the chance to sign Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike and Viktor Gyokeres, United’s targets now are likely to be less blockbuster, but potentially better.
Last week, United in Focus exclusively revealed that United had approached Aston Villa for Ollie Watkins, a link which has since been reported by several other outlets.
Reacting to this, on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, Ferdinand told Stephen Howson why he wants Watkins at the Theatre of Dreams.
“It negates the risk to a certain extent, you’re not worried about adaptation to the league and culture [about signing a Premier League proven player].
“We need someone with experience who the other centre-forwards can look at and go ‘that’s a bit of me’, without any doubts, Ollie Watkins says that. Premier League proven, played in the Champions League last year, and has done his thing consistently for a while, plays for England as well. He ticks all the boxes.
“Looking at it now, I would go Watkins if you can get him at the right price. He’s 29, no sell on value he would be purely to have an impact over the next two or three years.”
Watkins scored 16 Premier League goals last season, and hasn’t scored less than 15 in a campaign over the past three, making him potentially the perfect quick fix solution for the club.
Ollie Watkins is the perfect striker for Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha
Considering the business already done this summer, a number nine should be signed with the two dynamic number 10s in mind, and Watkins would be just that.
Watkins and Mbeumo have already impressed together during their Brentford days and they would be excellent for each other even today, as would Cunha.
Cunha and Mbeumo in the number 10 roles need space and therefore a striker who will push the backline and create that space is key.
Watkins is an eager runner, has intensity and a relentless work rate which are all traits that Amorim wants.
All of this combined with his goals, link up play and experience make him a no brainer signing if United can afford to get it done.