Premier League: Rio Ferdinand urges Man Utd to sign Watkins

Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins after the club missed out on Danny Welbeck. The former United defender raised the issue while analysing his old side’s 2-0 defeat by Hull City at the weekend. United’s opening-day loss has intensified scrutiny of their transfer-window plans, with the club still looking to complete more business before the window closes.

Ferdinand said the central question was whether United had enough room in their budget to pursue Watkins or another striker of a similar level. “The big question is, does United’s budget stretch to go and get an Ollie Watkins or someone like that now?” he said on his YouTube channel. His suggestion came after United failed to sign Welbeck, who was available this summer before completing a move to Chelsea.

Welbeck’s missed transfer has particular significance for Ferdinand because he believes the England striker could have contributed even without being a guaranteed starter. “If Danny Welbeck was on the market, and he clearly was, that’s one who Man United should have gone for because he could still have had an important role to play, despite being happy to be on the bench at this stage of his career,” Ferdinand said. Chelsea’s acquisition has therefore left United considering alternative ways to strengthen their attack.

Watkins is the name Ferdinand placed at the centre of that discussion. The Aston Villa forward was not presented as a completed target, and no transfer agreement was stated. Instead, Ferdinand framed the possibility around United’s finances and their need to decide whether their remaining budget could support a major attacking signing. His comments followed a defeat in which United’s transfer activity and squad construction came under renewed attention.

United’s wider plans include movement in several areas of the squad. Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is described as being close to joining in a deal worth £65 million, with a further £5 million available in add-ons. If all those additions are paid, the potential total would reach £70 million. The move would make Baleba manager Michael Carrick’s fourth signing of the summer, adding a substantial commitment to the club’s remaining transfer business.

The left-back position is also being reviewed. United’s pursuit of Newcastle defender Lewis Hall ended after Newcastle refused to sell him this summer, prompting attention to Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde. Balde was absent from Barcelona’s squad for a pre-season match against Elche, a detail that coincided with reports of United’s interest. That situation remains separate from Ferdinand’s call for Watkins, but it shows that United’s recruitment work extends beyond the centre-forward position.

A possible departure could also affect the attacking picture. Joshua Zirkzee has attracted interest from Juventus and Aston Villa, while United are understood to value the Dutch striker at about £40 million. His place in the squad appears uncertain, with Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Patrick Dorgu and the returning Marcus Rashford all listed ahead of him in the attacking pecking order. Any decision on Zirkzee would shape the space and resources available for another forward.

Ferdinand said he would accept a top-four finish for United, adding, “I think they [Manchester United] will finish in the top four, and I would be happy with the top four.” That target gives added weight to the debate over the attack, particularly after the 2-0 loss to Hull. United now have to balance the cost of strengthening with decisions on Baleba, the left-back search and Zirkzee’s future, while Watkins remains the striker Ferdinand has publicly identified as the preferred solution after Welbeck moved to Chelsea.