Ollie Watkins addresses Manchester United links, hinting at Aston Villa future

Ollie Watkins has addressed links surrounding him and Manchester United as the Aston Villa striker explains his aims for the future.

Ollie Watkins has had a spectacular season with Aston Villa, scoring 27 goals and providing 13 assists across all competitions in a season where the club returned to Champions League football for the first time in 41 years.

They finished eight points above Erik ten Hag‘s Manchester United squad in the Premier League, with Watkins grabbing the award for the most assists, having secured 13 across the campaign.

Read More: Manchester United heeding Roy Keane advice as Ollie Watkins becomes transfer target

With this in mind, Watkins has been linked with a move away to multiple English clubs this summer, with Manchester United being the latest name to pop up in the media.

Speaking on his future, Watkins told the Mirror that he thinks “next year will be very special” with Villa in the Champions League, hinting that he will stay at the club.

“It was disappointing to end such a great season on such a low note at Crystal Palace,” he started. Villa lost 5-0 against Crystal Palace on the final day of the season.

“But we have been tremendous all season – very consistent – and we finished where we deserved – with Champions League football coming to Villa Park.

“Next year will be very special. What happened at Palace was poor – individually and collectively – but this doesn’t tell the story of our season. We’ve been great all year.

“On a personal note, I’ve been consistent. There’s not much more I can do. It was the aim – to get to 20 goals – but there’s always next season. Has it been a breakthrough? Yes. But I wasn’t surprised by how well I’ve done because of all the hard work I’ve put in. And next season will be better, I’m sure of that.”

Wakins then went on to explain that the only future he has in mind is playing for England during the upcoming 2024 European Championships, addressing the Manchester United transfer speculation.

He said: “Whenever you score goals and things go your way there is noise around it, it is hard to ignore that. I want to play in the Euros. There aren’t too many English strikers in the Premier League. There are a lot of wingers but not many centre-forwards, so I’m hopeful. It’s what I have been working hard towards. We’ll have to wait and see.”