Manchester United have concrete interest in Aston Villa talisman Ollie Watkins, but must sanction the exit of Rasmus Hojlund before pursuing a transfer.
In doing so, INEOS would be directly opposing Hojlund’s wishes after he expressed his desire to see out his contract, which runs until 2028, at Old Trafford.
Yet, cutting ties with the lacklustre forward prematurely could perhaps be the most suitable way forward for United to have any chance at competing amongst those at the top end of the table next season.
United mull over Hojlund exit and Watkins acquisition
The possibilities are definitely there, too, as Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that the Red Devils have been in talks with Inter Milan since May to discuss a potential deal for Hojlund, who is garnering plenty of interest from Italian sides.
He spent one season in Serie A with Atalanta prior to his United move and scored nine goals in 32 appearances. The striker would then go on to better such a return in his maiden Premier League campaign, during which he netted 10 goals in 30 matches.
However, Hojlund seemingly regressed in his sophomore term, having recorded a measly four goals throughout 2024/2025.
Why is Watkins an ideal target for Amorim?
In regards to the side’s interest in Watkins, CaughtOffside has revealed that it has to be a one out, one in scenario between the England international and Hojlund.
Waktins, 29, is viewed as a ‘ready-made’ option to bolster Ruben Amorim’s ranks ahead of his first full season in the dugout.
| Season | Games | Goals | Assists |
| 24/25 | 38 | 16 | 8 |
| 23/24 | 37 | 19 | 15 |
| 22/23 | 37 | 15 | 6 |
| 21/22 | 35 | 11 | 2 |
| 20/21 | 37 | 14 | 5 |
*Watkins’ all-time Premier League statistics, courtesy of Transfermarkt
Villa are reluctant to part ways with their trusted frontman, especially given they offloaded Jhon Duran in the winter, but may be cornered into a sale in a bid to comply with PSR. As such, it’s thought they would demand £60 million for the proven goalscorer.
INEOS just does not get it. Their understanding of the ins and outs of transfer buisness is just as bad as Amorim’s understanding of the flow of game. No one is going to pay much for players that a club is desperate to sell. Both INEOS and Amorim exposed their desperation by publically insulting their own players.
Ineos tell Amorin that they need to sell Hojlund before they pursue a deal for Watkins? – wtf
Why not put a white flag up outside Old Trafford?
Maybe, its a case of “Buy me the players that I want, by the time we return for pre season, and then I will deliver”. That has not happened, so Amorim has a “get out of jail free” card and can not be blamed for a wasted season coming up.
You need to put the house in order by questioning and replacing those that bought, Onana, Malacia, Casemiro, Mount, Antony, Sancho, Zirkzee, Hojlund, as well as those that gave stupid contracts to all the aforementioned, plus Rashford
United’s management is still in a mess, ever since Sir Alex left. The Glazers are not bothered as they are still making money from their investment. Only the Qatari with his wealth can solve this problem by buying this club outright. Selling this club to the Glazers was the biggest mistake. On On Utd
Ineos group are now seeing the light , Hojlund must be offloaded now and bring either Watkins or Etikite only then can we competitively hope to reach top 4 . I would even vouch 2 silverware achievable with relative ease.