What Roy Keane has already said about Ollie Watkins
Manchester United Eye Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins as Forward Search Continues
Manchester United are actively exploring a potential move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as they continue their search for a reliable centre-forward option this summer. Despite their ongoing interest in Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo, United remain determined to reinforce their attacking line ahead of the new season and have now added Watkins to their list of targets.
The Red Devils are said to be keeping close tabs on Watkins’ situation at Aston Villa, particularly as the Midlands club face financial pressures linked to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Although Watkins may not be the club’s primary target, sources suggest he is being seriously considered as a viable alternative if other pursuits fail to materialise.
Uncertainty still surrounds Manchester United’s interest in Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with conflicting reports about his availability and willingness to move. As a result, United are wisely ensuring they have fallback options lined up — and Watkins has now emerged as one of the more intriguing candidates.
According to The Athletic, Manchester United are monitoring the 29-year-old forward, who has established himself as one of the most consistent and versatile attackers in the Premier League. His combination of intelligent movement, sharp finishing, and physical presence makes him an ideal fit for United’s system, especially under a manager looking to increase attacking efficiency and intensity.
Watkins has long been admired within footballing circles, including by former United captain Roy Keane, who has publicly praised the striker’s qualities. In a 2024 interview on Sky Sports, Keane remarked:
> “He could play for one of the top teams, couldn’t he? Villa are a top team but you’re talking about bigger clubs in Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City. That’s a compliment to him, not that he has to leave Villa. But he’s capable of doing it.”
Keane further lauded Watkins’ sharpness and movement, noting that his performances throughout the 2023/24 season had been among the best in the Premier League.
> “The kid is so sharp, he has a great shape to him. His movement is as good as any striker in the Premier League. He’s having an amazing season.”
Indeed, Watkins’ numbers back up that praise. Over the past two seasons, he has contributed a remarkable 44 goals and 27 assists in 107 appearances across all competitions. His consistency has been a cornerstone of Aston Villa’s rise under Unai Emery, helping the club secure Champions League qualification and competitive domestic form.
Statistical data from Sofascore shows that Watkins averages 2.3 shots per game and has started 91 of his last 107 appearances, underlining his importance and fitness levels. Beyond his club exploits, he has also proven his worth on the international stage, notably scoring the decisive goal for England against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final — a moment that showcased his composure in high-pressure scenarios.
Watkins joined Aston Villa from Brentford in the summer of 2020 and has since gone on to become one of their most important players, racking up 87 goals overall — including 75 in 184 Premier League games. At 29, he represents a medium-term solution for Manchester United: an experienced player in his prime, with the ability to make an immediate impact.
For United, signing a player like Watkins could provide both quality and Premier League experience without the significant adaptation period that often comes with overseas signings. As the club looks to re-establish itself among the Premier League elite, adding a proven goal scorer with Watkins’ attributes could be a key move in their summer transfer window strategy.
Whether United will make a formal approach remains to be seen, but the interest in Ollie Watkins highlights the club’s intent to leave no stone unturned in their mission to strengthen their forward line ahead of the new campaign.