Reports suggest United have narrowed their search to two centre-forwards: RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. ..Continue Reading
Watkins, who still has three years remaining on his contract, is seen as irreplaceable by Villa—especially at the fee United are hoping to negotiate.
Despite spending heavily this summer on Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, United still lack a reliable No.9. Last season’s underwhelming performances from Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee contributed to the club’s disappointing finish near the bottom of the Premier League table.
Speaking in his first media appearance since joining United, Mbeumo told ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand that he rates Watkins as “good.”
“[Watkins] is like a complete striker who can do a lot of things,” said Mbeumo.
“He can drop… or go in behind and I think he just is really good for me or for a winger because you can use his space to fit in there. “He can combine as well, so yeah, he’s really good.”
Mbeumo played with Watkins on 46 occasions in all competitions when the duo were at Brentford together in the EFL Championship in 2019-20.
Watkins joined Villa in September 2020 and went on to become their record Premier League goalscorer with 75 goals in 184 league appearances to date for the club.
United’s new player is backing himself to get the job done whoever else the team can attract and wherever Ruben Amorim asks him to play.
“Obviously I’ve played as a winger mainly at Brentford but I don’t have one specific position where I feel I can do the best,” Mbeumo continued.
“With Brentford I used to also play as a 10 in the pocket or even as a No 9. I can play all those positions.
“I think now, in football, you have to be adaptable and be able to play in a few other positions than what you’d say is your best. But I think it’s really good to gain experience.
“Whatever position the gaffer wants to put me in, I will play there. My first aim is to make sure I’m ready for the start of the season so I’ll keep working hard.”
