MU repeats transfer mistake with Watkins

Manchester United are sending signals of interest in Ollie Watkins.

Manchester United are sending signals of interest in Ollie Watkins. However, the way they value the England striker makes people doubt the seriousness of this deal.

When comparing the figure of 45 million pounds - the maximum price that MU is said to be willing to pay - with 71 million pounds for Bryan Mbeumo or more than 60 million pounds for Matheus Cunha, the question is: do the "Red Devils" really consider Watkins an important piece, or is this just a "perfunctory" move to please coach Ruben Amorim?

Shadow of Kane - Man City deal

This deal is reminiscent of Manchester City's pursuit of Harry Kane in 2021. At that time, Pep Guardiola really wanted a top-class striker to replace Sergio Aguero.

But despite the Spaniard’s desire, City’s owners never came close to Tottenham’s asking price. Spurs insiders claim City offered around £60m plus bonuses – a figure that would not bring Daniel Levy to the negotiating table.

Fabio Paratici, then Tottenham's Director of Football, did not hesitate to tell Kane directly: Man City could "act" like they were pursuing him, but in reality they were not determined enough to close the deal. Kane stayed at Spurs, and just a year later, Man City spent 51 million pounds to bring Erling Haaland - a contract that was considered wiser and more thorough.

Watkins is the modern striker: strong, fast, versatile and capable of playing in combination.

Aston Villa, through their experienced director of football Monchi, have repeatedly stated that Watkins is not for sale. However, reports from United’s US tour still suggest that the 29-year-old is on the list of two priority targets, alongside Benjamin Sesko.

But it is worth noting that the “Red Devils” have not made an official offer and the “hypothetical” price of £45m they are willing to pay only further shows their indecision.

If they really consider Watkins as their top choice, MU needs to act decisively and match the value that Villa sets. Otherwise, everything will stop at leaked information in the press - something that does not help the team to improve the attack line that is currently lacking sharpness.

Watkins - underrated player?

The irony is that United were willing to pay £71m for Bryan Mbeumo - a player who has never had the same impact as Watkins in the Premier League - but think the Villa striker is worth just £45m. Even Matheus Cunha, a potential striker who has never been considered a top-class No. 9, is valued higher than Watkins in United's eyes.

Watkins is the modern striker: strong, fast, versatile and has the ability to play in combination with the ball. He is the man who carries the Aston Villa attack, contributing greatly to the team's rise to the Premier League and Europe.

At 29, Watkins is in the prime of his career. While he is no longer a signing for the future, his current value – in terms of contribution and influence – is unlikely to be less than £60m.

Watkins, like Kane, deserves to be trusted and desired by a team that truly believes in him.

MU has failed many times due to indecision in the transfer market. From missing out on Haaland due to hesitation, or paying high prices to bring in "outdated" stars like Alexis Sanchez, this team has not yet built a clear strategy.

If United only see Watkins as a “stopgap” they will continue to make the same mistake. A striker must be recruited with absolute faith from the club, just as Arsenal resolutely spent £64 million on Viktor Gyökeres, despite the fact that the Swede is not much younger than Watkins.

Aston Villa were reportedly willing to sell Watkins for £60m in January, and that remains the case this summer. But with a £45m asking price, Monchi and Villa are certain to turn it down.

If United are not serious, Watkins should consider whether Old Trafford is the right destination. Because a player like him deserves to be truly desired and appreciated by a club. Arsenal have "knocked on the door" but were not determined enough. If United do not act now, they will miss another opportunity.

Manchester United have long been accused of lacking vision in their transfer business, and the Watkins deal is exposing that once again. Undervaluing a player as important as Watkins sends the message that they don't really want him.

Four years ago, Man City thought Grealish was worth more than Kane, and now United are following the same path by rating Watkins lower than Mbeumo. The result? They may have to watch their rivals win quality strikers while they continue to struggle to find a way out for their attack.

Watkins, like Kane, deserves a club that truly believes in him and wants him. If United don’t show that, it’s probably better they didn’t sign him in the first place.

Source: https://znews.vn/mu-lap-lai-sai-lam-chuyen-nhuong-voi-watkins-post1566859.html