Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins would dream of signing Man United – Lee Sharpe

Ollie Watkins is a fit Manchester United striker and part of an Aston Villa squad capable of a long-term UEFA Champions League run in 2023/24, says former Old Trafford player Lee Sharpe.

Rasmus Hojlund was United's only striker to reach double figures last season but the Dane will be out for six weeks with a hamstring injury – along with Sharpe, who has provided the likes of Eric Cantona, Mark Hughes and Andy Cole over the years eighth at the club, he wishes Watkins was available to manager Erik ten Hag.

“I love Ollie Watkins,” said Sharpe, who is a “big fan” of England manager Unai Emery. “I would like Watkins to sign for United.

“Villa is my childhood club. They will have a good run in the Champions League and surprise a few people. With good balance and a bit of luck in other games, they have every chance to go deep in the competition.”

13 @PremierLeague it helps. 🎯

Enjoy the best of Playmaker Award winners: Ollie Watkins! 👏 pic.twitter.com/ue7PZdww4V

– Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 20, 2024

Watkins Villa figures

Only three players scored more goals in the Premier League last season than Watkins, who signed a new contract in October keeping him with the Villans until 2028 and finished with 27 goals in all competitions.

That form helped Villa reach the Champions League for the first time, continuing their impressive rise under Emery after qualifying for the Europa Conference League at the end of the Arsenal manager's first season in charge.

In contrast, 20-time champions United finished at their lowest level for 34 years and scored the fewest goals of any club in the top ten, although their surprise FA Cup final victory over Manchester City sent them into the Europa League and beyond. hope for their preparations before the season.

United's 3-0 defeat by Liverpool in the United States on Sunday was the second time they failed to score in five friendlies but Sharpe believes versatile Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee could turn his fortunes around.

1⃣ year of Rasmus 🙌

How many goals will our no.9 score in 2024/25? 🤔#MUFC pic.twitter.com/fx6nNxxkfz

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 5, 2024

The 23-year-old joined for £36.5 million in July from Bologna, where he scored 12 goals and set up seven to help the club reach the Champions League for the first time in more than 60 years.

Zirkzee, Yoro signs

“Zirkzee looks like he could be a game winner and a game changer,” said Sharpe, praising the players signed by Ten Hag when speaking to Safest Casino Sites.

“I always like to see dangerous people come forward. [Leny] Yoro looks decent – ​​he's been out for a while but he looks like a good defender and can play a bit when he's on the ball.

“I hope they start the season on the best foot and find more consistency in games – not just game to game, but 90 minutes of the game. I'm sure all the players and the manager are well aware of that and the new signings will improve everyone.”

Corner kick by Lee Sharpe! 🎯#MUFC | #Purpose of the Day pic.twitter.com/34rFFF3UDu

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 27, 2022

Alejandro Garnacho provided 10 goals and five assists last season in a campaign that has not been as productive for United's other players, while Antony – the club's second most expensive player – finished with one goal and one assist in the Premier League.

Sharpe calls their failure to create danger on crosses his “bugbear”. “The hatred I have raised is when they miss the first player,” he explained.

“From corners, set pieces and crosses during the game, it is important that you miss the first man and put the ball in a dangerous area.

“I'm sitting there watching it with my seven-year-old son and I'm like 'look: first man, first man, first man'. I'm pulling my hair out completely.”

💥 From kick to Lee Sharpe scissor-kick in 17 seconds! ✂️#MUFC #Purpose of the Day pic.twitter.com/mgxDs92FZj

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 10, 2021

United's most successful manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, will give Sharpe a “rollover” when he finds a first-choice defender.

A three-time Premier League champion, Sharpe won seven major trophies under Ferguson between 1991 and 1996, contributing 53 goals in four seasons.

Man United: Compare the flankers

“Sometimes it was about not putting a lot of pace on the cross, it was just about missing the first man and putting it on the edge of the six-yard box and a yard or two outside of that,” he said.

“I would like to see the players on the sides hit it and run before the games start. All our wings have speed, power and can go in and out.

“If they can go down the line a bit, mix it up and get crosses, that gives them an opportunity because the defenders don't know where they will go yet.

“If they run a defender in the first few minutes, they let him know he's in the game and tell him his intention.”

United return to England to face Manchester City in the Community Shield on Saturday (3pm) before kicking off their Premier League campaign at home to Fulham on August 16 (8pm).