Ollie Watkins: Rio Ferdinand explains why United must target Aston Villa star | OneFootball

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Manchester United arrived at the new campaign with an air of optimism, but suffered a shock start to the season against newly promoted Hull City. The Tigers secured a 2-0 win at the MKM Stadium, with the Red Devils failing to find the back of the net despite registering 21 shots, five of which were on target.

Benjamin Sesko started the game on the bench and came on in the 67th minute but failed to have an impact. The Slovenian had picked up an injury in the final weeks of last season and took no part in pre-season.

Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee was an unused substitute against Hull City and remains linked with an exit. This situation has prompted talk of attacking additions this summer, especially as cover for Sesko.

The English giants are also competing in the Champions League this season and look a little light in the striker department. United legend Rio Ferdinand has now offered his views on the matter.

Ferdinand urges United to sign Watkins

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand argued that United should make a move for Ollie Watkins in the final days of the summer should their budget permit. He said: “The importance of Benjamin Sesko is huge, especially going to a place like that (Hull City) and your game plan is to put crosses in the box.”

“You need him in the team and I’m interested to see how he does this season in that sense. The big question is, does United’s budget stretch to go and get an Ollie Watkins or someone like that now?”

The former defender also lamented the Red Devils’ decision not to make a move for former academy graduate Danny Welbeck, who joined Chelsea this summer.

Ferdinand said: “If Danny Welbeck was on the market, and he clearly was, that’s one who Man United should have gone for because he could still have had an important role to play despite being happy to be on the bench at this stage of his career.”

Too soon to lose your head

Ferdinand, though, refused to be bothered by the disappointing start to the campaign. However, he also pointed out that his former club should set realistic targets for the season.

Ferdinand continued: “But let’s not get too carried away, it’s the first game of the season and we know it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

“Manchester United need to set their stall out in a realistic manner. We can’t pretend that Man United should be going for the Premier League title this season.”

“We all want that but you need to be realistic and realise where you are. I think they will finish in the top-four and I would be happy with top-four. We need to consolidate the success we had last season and if we can get a trophy on top of that then great.”

Final Thoughts

Watkins registered 21 goals and five assists in 55 appearances across competitions last season. The Englishman has been linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, although a move has failed to materialise.

Olle Watkins Stats: 2025/26 Season

The 30 year old could add goals and experience to Michael Carrick’s squad, and also aid in Sesko’s development. However, recent reports suggest that Watkins could be on his way to Al-Hilal and United may not have the finances available to hijack a deal.