Manchester United are considering a move for a 177-goal centre forward if a deal to sell Rasmus Hojlund is completed this summer
Since the days of Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani, Manchester United have lacked a centre forward who consistently delivers week in, week out, with many blaming the lack of service they receive as the main reason for their poor form.
Anthony Martial was the closest to nail down the striking position, with his most impressive performances coming under Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Erik ten Hag, but his struggle with injuries held him back from reaching his true potential.
Many fans thought that when Rasmus Hojlund joined United, he could be the next centre forward to lead the club for decades, but the Danish striker has struggled for consistency during his time at Old Trafford.
Hojlund joined ten Hag’s side from Atlanta for approximately £64 million, and that price tag appears to have added pressure onto the 22-year-old, especially during last season’s campaign when he scored just 10 goals in 52 appearances.
Several sources have linked Hojlund with a move away from Rúben Amorim’s side, with the possibility that he moves back to Italy to regain the form he had before joining the Red Devils.
United eyeing Watkins amid Hojlund move
If Hojlund leaves Old Trafford this summer, Jason Wilcox could look to sign two centre forwards, with some arguing Joshua Zirkzee played his best football as an attacking midfielder.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, formerly of Everton, could join United on a free transfer this summer, but it is likey he will play backup to another new signing, with Ollie Watkins a potential option as the starting centre forward.
Caught Offside report that United are considering a move for Aston Villa’s striker, but will only act if Hojlund leaves the club this summer, with funds being spent on other new additions like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
One source has said: “Amorim wants to reshape the squad by focusing on players with Premier League experience. Watkins is at the heart of this vision, along with names like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Amorim’s target is clear: Ready-made stars who will contribute immediately.”
Watkins may favour a move away from Villa Park this summer, after Red Devils loanee Marcus Rashford took his starting spot towards the end of last season, despite the fact Rashford has now left the club with a return unlikely.
Watkins could prove to be too expensive
While Watkins appears to be out of favour at Villa, his 177 career goals could see the Birmingham-based club demand a high fee for the England international, especially in the current market where so many clubs are interested in a new No.9.
Watkins has been of interest to Arsenal as recently as January, with the club potentially set to reignite their interest if they can’t complete a deal for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.
If the Gunners do target a move for the Villa striker, United could be forced into a bidding war for Watkins, that will likley prove too expensive and too time consuming.
With the first pre-season fixture just over a week away, the Red Devils need to move fast to secure players that Amorim can bed into the squad before the opening Premier League game at home to Arsenal.
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