Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has called on his former club to explore a sensational move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, as the England international’s future at Villa Park hangs in the balance.
Rio Ferdinand Urges Manchester United to Consider Shock Move for Aston Villa Striker Ollie Watkins
Watkins was conspicuously absent from Aston Villa’s matchday squad during their dismal 4-0 defeat to Brighton on Sunday, with manager Unai Emery confirming that Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have submitted an offer for the 30-year-old.
Emery has refused to guarantee Watkins’ future at the club, stating:
“We have an issue with him. I don’t want to sell him but it can change because if it’s a good option for him and the club and I can replace him in the squad, this is the routine we have.”
The former Brentford striker has netted 108 goals since his 2020 move to Villa Park and holds the club’s record for Premier League goals.
Speaking on his YouTube channel following United’s shock defeat to Hull City, Ferdinand questioned whether the Old Trafford club’s budget could stretch to signing Watkins.
“The big question is, does United’s budget stretch to go and get an Ollie Watkins or someone like that now?” the former defender asked.
Ferdinand also criticised United’s decision not to pursue Danny Welbeck, who completed a cut-price move to Chelsea earlier this summer.
“If Danny Welbeck was on the market, and he clearly was, that’s one who Man United should have gone for because he could still have had an important role to play despite being happy to be on the bench at this stage of his career,” Ferdinand added.
United currently have £73 million signing Benjamin Sesko on their books, with Matheus Cunha leading the attack against Hull.
The club has focused on bolstering midfield options this summer, securing Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, and Carlos Baleba.
Despite the heavy defeat, Ferdinand urged caution, reminding fans that the season is a marathon, not a sprint. He predicted United would secure a top-four finish this campaign.
