Rio Ferdinand shares Ollie Watkins verdict amid Man United transfer links

'The benchmark' - Rio Ferdinand shares Ollie Watkins verdict amid Man United transfer links

Former Man United defender Rio Ferdinand is a fan of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

Rio Ferdinand would be in support of Manchester United signing Ollie Watkins. (Image: Rio Ferdinand Presents.)

Former centre-back Rio Ferdinand has said Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins would be a "very, very good" addition for Manchester United amid ongoing reports linking him with Old Trafford.

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With just over five weeks of the summer transfer window remaining, United are still on the hunt for a centre-forward after missing out on Liam Delap earlier this summer.

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After splashing out north of £120million on the additions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, United will be reliant on sales to fund further arrivals. The Reds are also keen on recruiting a goalkeeper and a midfielder this summer.

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Having missed out on Delap and other options heading elsewhere, United are now being strongly linked with Watkins, who has been a regular source of goals for Villa in recent years, scoring 87 times in five seasons at the club.

And in the opinion of Ferdinand, Watkins could be a brilliant signing for the Reds, outlining how he would add a degree of experience to Ruben Amorim's attacking options.

"I think he would be a very, very good addition to the Manchester United squad," the former defender said, speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents. "He scored 17 goals last season, 14 assists in 54 appearances.

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"He's 29, that's the only drawback for Manchester United. There's not going to be any sell-on value which I understand is an issue, but you've got to look at the here and now with Manchester United.

"Manchester United need experience at the top of the pitch. They've got [Rasmus] Hojlund, [Joshua] Zirkzee and Chido [Obi]… young, inexperienced players.

"They need someone to look at and go, 'That's how you play as a No.9, that's how you do it', and when you buy someone who hasn't got as much experience as I'd like, I think that's another risk.

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"I think Watkins would be a very good addition for the younger ones to look at and go, 'Yes, that's the benchmark of someone who knows how the play the role'.

"He's done it consistently at the top level for the last few years, he's scored goals, Champions League football as well."

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