Man Utd to Sign PSG Striker: Flop Swap Deal Proposed
Rio Ferdinand Urges Man Utd to Prioritise Ollie Watkins Signing
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Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has strongly advocated for the club to secure a striker deal this summer, identifying Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins as his preferred target. Ferdinand believes that despite rumoured interest in other forwards, Watkins possesses the ideal profile to make an immediate impact at Old Trafford.
Ferdinand’s Striker Verdict: Why Watkins is the Top Choice
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand expressed his conviction that Manchester United’s attacking ranks require important reinforcement. While acknowledging the quality of players like Viktor Gyokeres,he feels the Swedish international isn’t the right fit for United’s immediate needs.
“I’m greedy, I think we need a centre forward,” Ferdinand stated. “There’s a misconception out there that I don’t rate Gyokeres. I think Gyokeres is a very good player, I just don’t think he was right for what we want right now.”
Rather, Ferdinand pointed to Ollie Watkins as the player who ticks all the necessary boxes for the Red Devils.
Premier League Proven and Champions League Ready
Ferdinand highlighted Watkins’ extensive Premier League experience and his recent success in the Champions League with Aston Villa as key factors. “we need someone with experience who the other centre forwards look at and go, ‘that’s a bit of me’, without any doubts,” he explained. “Ollie Watkins says that, Premier League proven, played in the Champions League last year as well, has done his thing consistently for a while, international, plays for England as well. He ticks all the boxes.”
While acknowledging that victor Osimhen was his initial top pick, Ferdinand conceded that such a move is unlikely. He then reiterated his strong preference for Watkins, provided the price is right.
“Victor Osimhen was obviously my first pick,that’s an old broken record that’s not going to materialise. But if you’re looking at it now I would go Ollie Watkins if you get him at the right price.”
Immediate Impact and Long-Term Value
The former England defender also touched upon the age factor, noting that at 29, Watkins offers immediate impact rather than significant sell-on value. This, for Ferdinand, is precisely what United need at this juncture.
“He’s 29 years old, there’s no sell-on value, it’s purely to have an impact instantly over the next two or three years which I think Ollie Watkins can have in a good way on the centre forwards who are there. He would be great right now as well.”
Ferdinand painted a compelling picture of how Watkins coudl elevate United’s attack, envisioning a potent front line alongside other potential signings.”That front three if you played Ollie Watkins, [Bryan] Mbeumo, [Matheus] Cunha and you can mix that in with Amad, [Mason] Mount, whoever, that’s a hard day’s work for opposing defense on moast days.”
The endorsement from a figure like Rio Ferdinand is likely to add further weight to Manchester United’s pursuit of a new centre-forward, with Ollie Watkins emerging as a prime candidate.