Manchester United are preparing for a major summer rebuild under the guidance of Ruben Amorim, with plans to overhaul the squad in a bid to secure a top-six finish next season. Several departures are expected as INEOS looks to reshape the team, while high-profile signings are being lined up to revitalise the attack.
According to the Daily Star, the Red Devils are even considering using Marcus Rashford in a surprise swap deal to land Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. After a dismal campaign, Amorim’s current squad has now earned the unwanted label of being the worst Manchester United side of the Premier League era.
Only five Premier League sides have scored fewer goals than Manchester United this season, with both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund coming under fire for their lacklustre goal returns, each managing just three league goals. In a puzzling move, United opted to loan out their most clinical attacker, Marcus Rashford, to Aston Villa midway through the campaign.
Frozen out of Ruben Amorim’s plans since mid-December, Rashford didn’t feature again until his January switch to Villa Park, where he has since impressed with a string of solid performances. Villa are now considering activating their £40 million purchase option, but United appear to have other ideas, looking to use Rashford as a makeweight to negotiate a separate deal with the Midlands club.
A Premier League proven goalscorer
Watkins has been outstanding since his move from Brentford to Aston Villa in 2020, making 217 appearances and contributing to 127 goals. Now firmly established as Villa’s leading striker, he’s finally benefiting from the consistent support and system he needs to flourish.
According to the Daily Star, Manchester United are weighing up a surprise swap deal, with Marcus Rashford potentially used as a makeweight to bring Watkins to Old Trafford. United believe Rashford’s resurgence under Unai Emery could strengthen their negotiating hand. Remarkably, the report even claims Rashford has displaced Watkins as Villa’s preferred centre-forward.
The report adds that Villa are open to exploring the deal if it benefits them financially and aligns with Emery’s long-term plans for the squad.
‘And with Rashford impressing since joining Unai Emery’s side, United believe this might boost their chances of luring Watkins to Old Trafford.
‘Rashford’s form has seen him overtake Watkins as their first choice centre forward.’
Watkins’ potential fit at Old Trafford is an exciting prospect. His versatility allows him to play as a lone striker or in a front two, making him a flexible asset in Ruben Amorim’s evolving system. Known for his tireless work rate, intelligent movement, and ability to stretch defences, Watkins would offer United a dynamic presence up front, something they’ve sorely lacked this season. His ability to press from the front aligns with Amorim’s high-energy philosophy, while his link-up play could bring the best out of creative players like Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount. In a squad that has struggled to convert chances, Watkins’ clinical finishing and composure in front of goal could make a huge difference.
If Manchester United succeed in landing Ollie Watkins, he could prove to be the missing piece they’ve long been searching for. With this summer’s transfer focus expected to revolve around strengthening the midfield, wings, and frontline, adding a proven Premier League performer like Watkins might be the ideal move. His intelligent runs, link-up play, and consistent goal output could be exactly what’s needed to unlock Bruno Fernandes and bring greater cohesion to United’s often-disjointed attack.
But then would he be willing to move to Old Trafford should the Red Devils fail to qualify for Europe? Should that happen, attracting top talent will be put to the test as Ruben Amorim eyes a rebuild.
