United have perfect “lethal” number nine upgrade in sight, he ticks all of Amorim’s boxes – opinion

Manchester United are in desperate need of a striker this summer to complete their attacking rebuild.

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are exciting signings who in theory, should add a lot to this United team.

Striker needed

Rasmus Hojlund has failed to live up to his previous billing over the last two years and is said to be for sale at the right price.

In search of improvement, United have already faced rejection from Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres but there are still some options on the table.

Links have grown recently to a move for Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and there are still whispers over a deal for the likes of Jean-Philippe Mateta and Nicolas Jackson.

Ollie Watkins should be main target

Ruben Amorim’s side have already been linked to a move for England international, Ollie Watkins, and he is the perfect choice for what this United team needs.

Aston Villa have reportedly told suitors that he is not for sale and at 29 years old, he is no spring chicken.

Nonetheless, the forward is said to be keen on a move to Old Trafford and Villa’s financial issues may open the door for a move later on in August as the window’s end approaches.

What’s more, Watkins meets Amorim’s requirements for a number nine on many levels.

Premier League Proven

The manager has already spoken on the club’s desire to bring in Premier League experience and that is exactly what they have done with Cunha and Mbeumo.

Watkins is the very definition of Premier League proven, having played five consecutive seasons in England’s top division.

Additionally, he has also hit double figures in every single one of those seasons, proving his consistency at the highest level.

Good in the air

United have lacked a striker with aerial prowess since Edinson Cavani left the club a few years ago.

The Red Devils frequently cross to empty spaces and when there is a striker on the end of it, the conversion rate is low.

This is even more important this season due to the sheer amount of crosses that new signing Mbeumo will make. The Cameroonian completed the third most crosses in the entire league last season and United need a striker who can make the most of this.

His intelligent movement in the area allows him to score his fair share of headed goals. He is so much more than this though.

Complete forward

Watkins has been described as “one of the country’s most lethal players” who has many facets to his game.

He can hold the ball up well and also link play effectively. This would help United immensely as Hojlund massively struggles to do this.

With a creative arsenal of Cunha, Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes and Amad, a striker who can link the play would be intriguing to witness.

What’s more, he has speed and can run in behind to cause defences different types of headaches.

Pressing and running ability

Watkins is a striker who is more than willing to press and has been able to do this his whole career.

Amorim’s system is dependent on aggressive high pressing, which was seen to work well against West Ham in the latest pre-season outing.

The 29-year-old could also run the channels effectively to make space for the number tens to get forward, another key component of Amorim’s perfect striker.

Timeline

At 29, some fans may point to his age as a negative. The truth is that United have plenty of young options and need more experience.

They also have the exciting Chido Obi in the background who could learn a lot from Watkins’ Premier League experience.

Perhaps, the England international could lead the line for two or three years to give Obi time to develop with less pressure, then become a solid back up option in the future.

All in all, for the numerous reasons mentioned above, United have the answer to their striker conundrum less than a hundred miles down the road in Birmingham.

Featured image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images

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