Man United Passed on Watkins for Højlund

Manchester United reportedly rejected the opportunity to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins during the summer transfer window of 2023.

According to multiple sources, the Red Devils were presented with the chance to acquire Watkins, who had been in impressive form for Villa. However, manager Erik ten Hag had a different target in mind: Rasmus Højlund.

Ten Hag was keen on bringing the young Danish striker to Old Trafford, believing that his potential and attributes aligned more closely with his vision for the team. Ultimately, United succeeded in securing Højlund's signature, with the player joining from Atalanta for a substantial fee.

While Watkins has continued to perform well for Aston Villa, United's decision to prioritize Højlund has been a subject of debate among fans and pundits. Some argue that Watkins could have been a valuable addition to the Red Devils' squad, while others believe that ten Hag's choice to pursue Højlund was justified based on the player's long-term potential.

As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Højlund adapts to the Premier League and whether his performances justify United's decision to pass on Watkins.