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Roy Keane believes Ollie Watkins is capable of leading the line for Manchester United as the Red Devils focus in on the Aston Villa striker as their top target. Ruben Amorim has already added Mattheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to his attacking threat for the new season, but he is still on the hunt for a new No. 9 to front up his rebuild.

It seems that United are shopping locally for their new signings, with Premier League experience clearly valued by the club's hierarchy this summer. Villa have remained adamant that Watkins is not for sale, but previously valued the 29-year-old at £60million, giving Old Trafford chiefs a benchmark to reach.

However, United are confident that a compromise price of between £40m and £45m can be agreed between both parties to secure Watkins' services. Club icon Keane has weighed in on the Watkins debate before, stating that he believes the striker has what it takes to handle the pressure of a big club, as he put it.

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Speaking on Sky Sports in 2024, the former United midfielder said: "He could play for one of the top teams, couldn’t he? Villa are a top team but you’re talking about bigger clubs in Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City.

"That’s a compliment to him, not that he has to leave Villa. But he’s capable of doing it." Discussing the striker's form at the time, Keane added: "The kid is so sharp, he has a great shape to him. His movement is as good as any striker in the Premier League. He’s having an amazing season."

Across 54 appearances last season, Watkins scored 17 goals and assisted 14 times. This type of return is exactly what United are after as they aim to improve what has been a disaster start to Amorim's reign.

United already have two strikers on their books in Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, but it is safe to say the duo haven't exactly impressed during their time at the club. In total, Hojlund and Zirzkee have scored 17 goals between them, matching Watkins' solo endeavours at Villa last time out.

Zirkzee only managed seven goals and three assists across all competitions for United following his £36.5m arrival last summer, while £72m man Hojlund hit 10 goals and four assists in 52 appearances. Amorim is aware that in order for his side to reach some level of success, he will require a more proven goalscoring record - and Watkins could be another cog in this puzzle.

As well as Watkins, the Red Devils are also keeping tabs on RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. The 22-year-old was consistent for a struggling Bundesliga side last campaign, scoring 13 goals and assisting five times in 33 league appearances.

Sesko also scored four times across eight Champions League games for Leipzig, proving he can hold his weight in European competitions too. However, a £70m price tag could be off-putting to United, given that they have already dropped over £120m on Cunha and Mbeumo.

The Red Devils also have other areas to prioritise and are in the market for a defensive midfielder and a new goalkeeper. Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir have not convinced Amorim that either of them are capable enough to hold the No. 1 jersey, with both being used sporadically throughout the 2024/25 campaign, not to much success.

The United boss also hopes to strengthen his midfield with a solid deep-laying playmaker, as Casemiro's veteran status rules him out of the starting position. Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte are also both options, but Amorim seems to like playing Mainoo further forward - and it doesn't seem like he is happy with the £50m paid to bring Ugarte from PSG last summer.

But number one on the manager's agenda is a new frontman, and with Newcastle United also in the race for Sesko's signature, Amorim may opt for Premier League pedigree and a cheaper fee in Watkins. Keane's seal of approval holds weight too, given his success in United's colours in years gone by.

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