Mark Goldbridge: Watkins to Man Utd Links ‘Embarrassing’

•  Manchester United are reportedly interested in Ollie Watkins, but Mark Goldbridge has labelled the links ’embarrassing’.
•  Rasmus Hojlund may need some competition after being flung in at the deep end this season.
•  Villa are unlikely to sell Watkins after qualifying for the Champions League.

Manchester United have been linked with a bid to recruit Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, but The United Stand broadcaster Mark Goldbridge has called the rumour ’embarrassing’, implying that the England international would not want to transfer to Old Trafford. Rasmus Hojlund, an Atalanta attacker, joined United in the previous summer transfer window, and the youthful striker has been an important player for Erik ten Hag so far this season. With Anthony Martial, who is out of contract later this year, spending a significant chunk of the season on the treatment table, Hojlund has been thrown into the deep end at Old Trafford.

The Danish international has had spurts of consistency in front of goal this season, and there’s no doubt he could benefit from some competition and rotation in United’s attack, so signing a centre-forward could be a priority for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recruitment staff this summer.

Watkins Links to Man Utd ‘Embarrassing’

The Red Devils are reportedly interested

According to a report from talkSPORT on Wednesday morning, United are planning a ‘audacious’ move to capture Aston Villa forward Watkins during the summer transfer window. Ratcliffe is trying to sign another centre forward to assist nurture and develop Hojlund at Old Trafford.

In response to the news, presenter Goldbridge has labelled it ’embarrassing’, arguing that United don’t have £100 million to spend on a striker, while also alleging that Watkins wouldn’t want to transfer to the Red Devils.

“Sorry Villa fans for the Watkins to United story out there….absolutely embarrassing. As if we have £100 million to buy the best English striker in the league and lure him with a leaking stadium when you have Champions League football and a vision.”

It is unclear whether Watkins would cost £100 million, but Villa’s willingness to move him is minimal. The Midlands club just qualified for Champions League football, with Watkins playing a major role in their success this season. Unai Emery’s team is likely to seek a fee that is beyond United’s budget, especially given his age.