17:30, 24 Jul 2025<\/p>\n
![\"Ollie](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1753377191_479_0_Ollie-Watkins.jpg\")
Ollie Watkins during an Aston Villa game(Image: David Davies\/PA Wire)<\/p>\n
Solving Manchester United’s issues with a misfiring attack has been the key issue at play in the summer transfer window so far, and a new striker could complete the puzzle – and fans in the Manchester Evening News comments section<\/a> are leaning towards one of the available options.<\/p>\n Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggled to get onto the scoresheet last season, and the squad’s overall output was a key part of a hugely disappointing campaign in the league. Top strikers like Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen may be out of reach for now, but there are “Premier League-ready” options<\/a> that United could turn to if they want an immediate impact.<\/p>\n Ollie Watkins has been impressive and energetic under Unai Emery at Aston Villa, but the inclusion of Marcus Rashford on loan dented his opportunities at times last season. United have reportedly made enquiries<\/a> about the possibility of signing Watkins, who is valued at \u00a360 million with three years left on his contract.<\/p>\n Jean-Philippe Mateta is another option on the older side, having had a good couple of seasons at FA Cup<\/a> winners Crystal Palace. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko would come with a significant price tag, but has plenty of room to grow and brings Champions League<\/a> experience.<\/p>\n Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson may find himself out of favour after they signed former United target Liam Delap, and his situation is being monitored by top clubs.<\/p>\n Fans are leaning towards one of these more realistic targets to add to their existing business. Reader Steady Irwin says: “We are stronger, and have more goal potential in us, with less games, but we need a striker. I like Mateta because his strengths are Hojlund’s weaknesses. Add him (or an alternative ) and someone with energy in the middle that can take a ball from the defenders and turn with it, and we’ve had a good window.”<\/p>\n Commenter Realredmanc writes: “I like Ollie Watkins, but we should be careful about any contract offered.”<\/p>\n Toothpick says: “For a club that isn’t in any European football, we just need a striker who is a specialist. Either holds up the ball very well or knows when and how to position themselves in the box to score. We should avoid getting strikers whose abilities are unclear. We have too many strikers like Zirkzee and Hojlund who aren’t excellent at any part of their game.”<\/p>\n Garth123 writes: “With the profile of the striker Amorim is looking for. Ollie Watkins for me would be the best fit. If United can get him for under \u00a350m, then we could get 3 or 4 good years out of him which will buy time for the development of Obi, who I think will inherit the No. 9 role in time.”<\/p>\n 1968red says: “Watkins in a swap with Garnacho would be better than a Mason Mount-type situation again with Chelsea<\/a>, and monetarily better for us.”<\/p>\n Deanodo is dead against one option: “No to Jackson, we don\u2019t want any Chelsea rejects. If they’re not good enough for Chelsea, why would we want them?”<\/p>\n Cdpc has different priorities: “Personally I\u2019d prioritize a dynamic box-to-box midfielder over a striker this year. I think for too long we\u2019ve been overrun in midfield and had no interplay between the top 3. Everyone\u2019s down on our current striker options, but if we\u2019re fair, they\u2019ve had terrible service over the past couple of years.”<\/p>\n IlSacristano writes: “Ollie Watkins IMHO. A good striker who enjoys his game with a big smile. I think he’s got a good few years in the tank.”<\/p>\n