Manchester United are weighing up a move for a new striker, with Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig emerging as the top names on their shortlist. The club is still considering whether to strengthen their forward line during the remainder of the transfer window.
Manchester United exploring both Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins. Efforts currently framed around those two, as @lauriewhitwell called.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 29, 2025
As reported, Ollie Watkins talks have already taken place. Villa prefer to keep and won’t entertain a sale without a replacement. They value… pic.twitter.com/DotKmEniHI
Transfers Depend on Outgoings
Before making any serious moves, United know they must first offload some fringe players. With the deadline approaching on 1 September, the club expects that most outgoing business could happen closer to the final days of the window. Only then would funds potentially be freed up for a new signing.
Challenges in Signing Watkins or Sesko
Bringing in either Watkins or Sesko won’t be easy. Aston Villa are currently unwilling to sell their England international striker, with the player contracted until 2028. United believe Villa’s stance might soften later in the window, but are also wary of the £60 million fee being quoted, especially for a player turning 29 later this year.
As for Sesko, the 22-year-old is also attracting interest from Newcastle United, who are actively searching for attacking reinforcements. With uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak’s future at St. James’ Park, the Magpies have identified Sesko as a top target.
Sesko scored 13 goals in 33 Bundesliga matches last season, continuing his rise as one of Europe's top young forwards.
Premier League G/As last season:
— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) July 29, 2025
Alexander Isak – 29
Erling Haaland – 25
Ollie Watkins – 24
Watkins also has 20+ league G/As in each of his last three seasons.
I like Sesko and wouldn't be against the signing, but I'd personally prefer Ollie Watkins pic.twitter.com/HB31OnkBiN
Højlund Still First Choice, But Pressure Mounting
Currently, Rasmus Højlund remains United’s first-choice striker under manager Ruben Amorim, but pressure is mounting on the £72 million signing. After scoring just 10 goals in 52 games last season, there is concern over his consistency in front of goal.
He did impress with his movement and strength in the recent 2-1 win over West Ham in New Jersey, but has yet to score in two pre-season outings. A missed chance in the first half led to visible frustration from Amorim on the sidelines.
New Signings and Tactical Plans
So far, United have spent nearly £130 million this summer, bringing in attacking duo Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, alongside teenage defender Diego Leon. Cunha and Mbeumo are seen more as options for Amorim’s preferred dual number 10 system, though they could provide cover as strikers if needed.
Premier League Experience a Priority
Speaking on Friday, Amorim emphasized his desire to recruit players already familiar with the Premier League, suggesting that future additions will be drawn from within English football if possible.
Outgoings Still Unresolved
United’s transfer activity is also affected by unresolved situations surrounding several squad members. Marcus Rashford has joined Barcelona, but players like Garnacho, Sancho, Antony, and Malacia were left out of the U.S. tour and remain available for sale.
Amorim has been clear that these players won’t be sold cheaply, but said the door remains open for them to reintegrate if no moves materialise.
