Manchester United’s attacking woes were clear last season. Despite bolstering their frontline with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who combined for 35 Premier League goals last term, the club still needs a clinical striker to lead the line.
Under Rúben Amorim, United endured their worst top-flight campaign in 51 years. They managed just 44 league goals and ended with a -10 goal difference—only the three relegated clubs and Everton scored fewer. While Cunha and Mbeumo help address the creative and scoring void, their arrival alone may not be enough to power United back into contention.
Concerns linger about whether the infamous “Manchester United curse” might hinder their new signings from replicating their previous form. Still, both players undoubtedly improve Amorim’s attacking options heading into the new season.
However, the hunt for a natural No. 9 continues.
United were strongly linked with Liam Delap, but the young striker opted for a move to Chelsea. Other targets like Viktor Gyökeres and Victor Osimhen appear to be heading to Arsenal and Galatasaray, respectively. With less than three weeks until the Premier League returns, the urgency to secure a centre-forward is growing.
Three names remain on the shortlist: Ollie Watkins, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Benjamin Šeško. Yet, none are seen as a perfect fit by United’s recruitment team.
Šeško has impressed at RB Leipzig, but the Bundesliga club’s valuation—reportedly exceeding £75 million—makes a deal financially challenging. Watkins, on the other hand, is said to be available for £60 million and brings proven Premier League experience.
So, who should United prioritize? Let’s look at the numbers from the 2024/25 season (via FBref).
Despite Watkins playing six more matches than Šeško across all competitions, the Slovenian forward actually logged more minutes (3,761 vs. 3,682). Šeško outscored Watkins in total goals, but the context matters—those goals came against Bundesliga defences, not the typically tighter English backlines.
Where Watkins shines is in his all-round contribution:
Assists: 9 more than Šeško Expected Goals (xG): 18.6 vs. Šeško’s 13.6 Expected Goals + Assists (non-penalty): 22.1 vs. Šeško’s 13.3 xG per 90 minutes: 0.51 (Watkins)
Watkins’ ability to both score and create, especially in the Premier League environment, makes him a more balanced and reliable option. In contrast, Šeško’s potential is undeniable, but his numbers are yet to be proven against top-tier English opposition.
Verdict: United Need Goals and Experience – Watkins Offers Both
With time ticking and options dwindling, Ollie Watkins emerges as the most practical and impactful choice. He may not be the flashiest signing, but he’s a consistent performer in the Premier League and statistically outperforms Šeško in key areas.
If United are serious about turning things around next season, securing a proven striker like Watkins could be the final piece in Amorim’s attacking puzzle.
