Manchester United’s interest in Ollie Watkins has not been materialized into formal this summer.
Kobbie Mainoo and Ollie Watkins already share a strong relationship of trust – what could have deepened at Manchester United was different this summer. Early in the window, United weighed Watkins’ movements and headed instead to Benjamin Sesco.
Supporters are excited to see the Slovenians active, but his lack of Premier League experience draws attention. Rasmus Hozilund’s sudden learning curve is still fresh. Watkins may not have been a flashy option for the Red Devils, but Mineau’s praise for the English forward suggests he may have welcomed its alternative outcome.
Despite being almost ten years apart, Mainoo and Watkins formed a clear friendship in Euro 2024. After Watkins’ dramatic last-final winner in the semi-final against the Netherlands, Mainoo only needed one to summarise him on Instagram.
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“Clutch,” the United midfielder wrote in reply to Watkins’ congratulatory post. The emotions were mutual.
In the first half of the tournament, Watkins was asked for his thoughts about Mainoo, but was not suppressed. “He doesn’t act his age,” the Aston Villa striker told ITV. “He’s very mature on and off the pitch. Again, incredible British talent.
“(He) has got the world at his feet. I can’t speak any higher about him. He’s an exercise and a calmness in the ball – taking the ball and receiving it in tight areas as a midfielder.
“I think it makes you stand out, especially because of the way we want to play. He’s very comfortable with the ball. You can see why he’s so comfortable with the ball.”
Such mutual admiration suggests that if Watkins joined United this summer, linking at the club level would have had little trouble. However, such a partnership concept must be parked for now.
With Sesco’s arrival immediately pursuing a United striker, Watkins’ moves off the table, but the 29-year-old remains praised by Old Trafford and could still be targeted in the future.
That said, United hopes it never comes to it. With over £2 million just pouring into the brand new Front 3, Sesco has joined Mateus Cuña and Brian Mbeumo in a summer rebuild designed to end the need to attack reinforcements in the near future.
Mbeumo attacked Brentford’s Premier League goals 20 times last season, while Kunya hit 15 with the wolves. Meanwhile, Sesco has won the net 13 times in the Bundesliga of RB Leipzig. Three less than Watkins, managed in the Aston Villa league.
Still, there is no shortage of optimism in Old Trafford and beyond, where Sesco could develop into a generational defining talent. The 22-year-old once was heavily linked to Arsenal, and is compared to both Arsenal and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, blending physical and technical attributes, surrounding a ferocious pace, eye-catching ball control and a ruthless finish across Europe.
For now, it’s Sesco, not Watkins, and runs from Mine’s pass at Old Trafford. The pair must build their own understanding, but there is a foundation given Mainoo’s calm in the middle and Sesko’s movements behind them.
Still, the warmth between Mainoo and Watkins at Euro 2024 remains as a reminder of a partnership that may have been.
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