Since Erik ten Hag’s team has been without a dependable number nine for the entirety of the season, Manchester United will undoubtedly be trying to bolster their center-forward ranks this summer.

Prior to having his contract mutually terminated in November, former talisman Cristiano Ronaldo only scored three times in all competitions, while January signing Wout Weghorst, who arrived on loan from Burnley, has only scored twice for the Red Devils thus far.

Long-time striker Anthony Martial’s injury setbacks have made matters worse; this season, the 27-year-old has been limited to only 19 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals.

With just over a year left on his contract, the Frenchman’s failure to stay healthy and productive has probably been a source of frustration for the United manager, who, according to recent rumours, may be open to letting the striker leave this summer.

There have been rumors in Spain that the Old Trafford team is interested in recruiting Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa. At least one new forward will be required if the former Monaco player leaves.

Watkins should Man United acquire him?

With Watkins especially having been in deadly form lately, it would seem to be a tremendous coup if United were able to wrest the Englishman from Villa Park.

The former Brentford star, who has scored 11 goals in his previous 12 Premier League appearances, is currently “sitting alongside [Erling] Haaland” in terms of his form following the World Cup break, according to Red Devils icon Rio Ferdinand.

The 27-year-old has now hit double digits for league goals in each of the last three seasons for the Villans, thanks to this exceptional hot run, giving him a noteworthy record of 15 goals and six assists in the top division thus far this season.

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Such a commendable total stands in stark contrast to Martial’s, who has only scored nine Premier League goals since the start of the 2020–21 season, including none in the first half of the previous season before joining Sevilla on loan.

A significant advantage of adding Watkins would be his remarkable work ethic, as the £75k per week player ranks in the top 20% of his European counterparts for interceptions made, compared to the present United player who only ranks in the bottom 32%.

The 5 foot 11 Villa player’s all-around skills and track record in England’s top division may make him an excellent option for Martial in the middle, as it has become nearly difficult to rely on the latter player lately.