Man Utd in talks to sign “one of the best STs in Europe”

Even before the summer transfer window opened, Manchester United entered the off-season with one clear goal: improve the forward line ahead of 2025/26.

Such a task needed to be undertaken after the Red Devils only managed to score 44 times in their 38 Premier League outings during the most recent campaign.

Ruben Amorim has showcased his desire to improve the current situation, making multiple moves to land Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha from Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively.

Whilst the pair notched 35 combined goals in the Premier League last season, other additions are still being pursued within the final third before the end of the summer window.

Given the climate of the current window, a new talisman would likely cost a pretty penny, but that hasn’t stopped the hierarchy from targeting numerous players over recent days.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions

Moise Kean has been a player firmly on United’s radar throughout the current window, even making contact with Fiorentina over a deal to land the Italian striker.

However, if they are to land a deal for the 25-year-old during the current window, they will have to pay over the odds, after his £44m release clause expired on the 15th of July.

He’s not the only player who’s currently in their sights at present, with Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins once again a player they’re interested in, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The journalist claimed that the Red Devils have held talks over a move for the 29-year-old star, after he scored 16 league goals last campaign.

He also claims that Unai Emery’s side see the England international as not for sale during the ongoing transfer window, potentially making any deal for his signature somewhat harder.

Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Sesko

Alongside a deal for Watkins, the United hierarchy have been targeting a move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in an attempt to complete their hunt for a new centre-forward.

The Slovenian has been a key target for numerous sides this summer, but the Red Devils could be about to have a free run at his services after Arsenal and Liverpool opted for other targets.

He could prove to be a viable option for Amorim’s men, after he bagged 21 goals across all competitions for the Bundesliga outfit throughout 2024/25.

At just 22, he has bags of time to develop into an elite-level talisman, but any move could prove to be a huge risk given his current £67m asking price.

As a result, it would make Watkins a cheaper option for the hierarchy, whilst also providing a more experienced Premier League option in the club’s hunt to return to their former glory.

The Englishman did register more league goals last time around, subsequently offering a bigger goal threat, with his underlying stats also just as impressive.

Watkins, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in Europe” by boss Emery, also posted a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, subsequently taking advantage of more chances that fall his way in front of goal.

He also completed more of the passes he attempted, whilst posting a higher key passes per 90 tally, able to provide fellow new additions Cunha and Mbeumo with chances in the final third.

The Englishman’s talents are further reflected in his tally of carries into the final third per 90, able to create his own chances rather than being reliant upon others around him.

Given the difference in the stats and price tag, Watkins would evidently be the better addition for United during the current transfer window, subsequently bolstering their chances of success next season.

If he can replicate the levels he’s produced at Villa Park, it would be a phenomenal addition and one that would inject the added dimension Amorim is hunting for in his forward line.

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