Ferdinand has stated that Manchester United should consider a surprise move for Watkins from Aston Villa, another Premier League club, and has criticized the club for failing to compete with Chelsea for Welbeck earlier in the window.

After missing Aston Villa's opening Premier League match of the season on Sunday, Watkins appears set to leave before the summer transfer window closes.

The 30-year-old striker was omitted from the squad for Aston Villa's heavy 4-0 home defeat to Brighton, after Emery confirmed interest from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.

In an interview ahead of the weekend's heavy defeat, Emery refused to guarantee that Watkins would still be an Aston Villa player when the transfer window closes.

Emery stated: "It is clear that we have issues with him. He is our player, but we have received offers for him.

"I don't want to sell him, but circumstances could change. If it is good for him, good for the club, and I can find a replacement in the squad, that is our usual practice. We have done this in the past with departing players.

"As for Ollie, he is still here for now. For me, he is an excellent striker, and we have always trusted him.

"He is still our player, and the transfer window will close in around 10 days. We will see what happens next. I am satisfied with his performances, and if he stays, he will continue to maintain his level.

"If he leaves, it will be because it benefits all three parties: himself, the club, and the team."

Since his transfer from Brentford in 2020, Watkins has scored 108 goals for Aston Villa, making him the club's all-time leading goalscorer in the Premier League.

In recent years, he has been a regular for England and was included in Thomas Tuchel's squad for the World Cup announced this summer, though he had limited playing time.

Arsenal expressed interest in signing Watkins as early as January, and Ferdinand believes Manchester United should also consider bringing in the striker who is keen to leave.

Benjamin Sesko, signed by Manchester United for £73 million, was on the bench for Saturday's shocking defeat to Hull City, with Matheus Cunha starting as the central striker.

Manchester United has not been linked with many strikers this summer, with the club's focus on strengthening Carrick's midfield options by signing Tielemans, Andrey Santos, and Bileba.

However, Ferdinand hopes Manchester United can recruit a new striker. After Manchester United failed to sign Welbeck, he has identified Watkins as a potential target.

Welbeck joined Chelsea on a modest deal earlier this summer, and Ferdinand was disappointed that Manchester United did not attempt to bring him back to the club.

Analyzing Manchester United's heavy defeat to Hull City on his video channel, Ferdinand said:

"Sesko's impact is immense, especially when he plays in this way.

"The team needs him, and I am really looking forward to seeing how he performs this season.

"But the bigger question is: does Manchester United's current budget still allow for a player of Watkins' caliber?

"Welbeck was clearly on the transfer market at that time. Manchester United should have signed him. Even at this stage of his career, he is willing to accept a backup role but can still play a crucial part in the team.

"However, we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves; this is only the first match of the season. We all know that the league is a marathon, not a sprint.

"Manchester United must assess its position realistically. You cannot expect Manchester United to fight for the Premier League title this season.

"While everyone secretly hopes to win the title, we must acknowledge our current standing. I think the team can ultimately finish in the top four, and I would be very satisfied with that.

"We need to build on last season's achievements, and if we can also win a trophy on top of that, it would be even better."

Traduit par IA.

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