It’s between Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins. Even though Højlund is showing new tactics in the preseason so far, Amorim should and must have a striker who can deliver 20 to 30 goals every season. With a delegation in Germany to sign the 22-year-old Sesko, it looks like the choice has been made, but there are warnings on the ball island that Man United cannot afford to invest in “project” Sesko, but rather steer towards Watkins.
English Goal gives the analysis on why Watkins is the right striker for Manchester United, we hang on.
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-Watkins has scored double-digit goals in nine consecutive seasons across three clubs and three divisions. No matter where he’s been or what role he’s had – he was transformed from winger to centre-forward by Thomas Frank at Brentford in 2019 – he’s delivered. He has scored 14, 11, 15, 19 and 16 goals in the Premier League, and in 2023-24 he took the Playmaker award for his 13 assists. Watkins is an undeniable, constant threat, whether he finds the back of the net himself or brings others into play, writes Goal.
-Since joining Exeter City in 2016, this is the list of league games Watkins has missed per season: one, one, five, zero, one, three, one, one, zero. He has also managed to juggle games in England with games on the continent, with 12 games in both of Villa’s last two seasons in Europe. The problems with Højlund and Zirkzee are admittedly not their availability (in that case they play far too much), and Sesko does not have a weak injury history either; it’s more that Watkins is an experienced professional who can be trusted as a figurehead for a team with such expectations,” the English media continues.
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-When Arsenal previously and briefly chased Watkins in the January window, it was because they thought he would fit in seamlessly right away and keep his end of the “scoring deal”. They thought he was as close to a guarantee of games and goals as it could be. United would be wise to realize the same and change their plans to sign him, the media reports.
Then comes the bonus of Watkins signing.
“Signing Watkins is likely to prove fruitful for United given his previous relationship with Mbeumo, as the two began a friendship during one season together at Brentford. This was the same year that Watkins switched to central striker, having played almost exclusively his entire career on the wing or in the hole, Goal concludes.
Which is in no doubt what Amorim needs at the top.
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