Manchester United rejected chance to sign England star in 2023, Ten Hag urged the club to sign Rasmus Hojlund instead - Reports
Manchester United reportedly rejected the chance to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins in the summer of 2023. According to Mail Sport, the Red Devils went with Rasmus Hojlund instead in that transfer window after strong suggestions from manager Erik ten Hag (via Transfer News Live).
The Denmark international arrived from Atalanta to Old Trafford that summer for a reported fee of €73.9 million. However, he hasn't quite lived up to fans' expectations in his one full season at the club so far.
The 21-year-old striker dealt with a few injury issues last year, restricting him to 43 appearances across competitions for United. He finished with a tally of 16 goals and two assists.
On the flip side, Watkins enjoyed a stellar season with Aston Villa, ending the campaign with 27 goals and 13 assists in 53 matches across competitions. His goals also helped the club secure UEFA Champions League football for the current season by finishing fourth in the Premier League.
The England international has also started the 2024/25 season fairly well, registering four goals and three assists in nine matches across competitions. Meanwhile, Hojlund endured issues with fitness and has made just five appearances in all competitions, scoring once.
Hojlund now has competition for his place after Manchester United signed Joshua Zirkzee this summer. Although Watkins is the first choice at Villa Park, he will be looking over his shoulder with Jhon Duran proving impressive impact off the bench.
So far this year, the Colombia international has played 10 matches and scored six times, including an incredible winner against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Manchester United among host of clubs eyeing move for Ligue 1 striker- Reports
Manchester United, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur, among others, are reportedly monitoring the situation of Lille striker Jonathan David. The Canada international has decided against extending his contract with the French outfit, according to a report from Football Espana (via Express).
Should David go through with this decision, he will become a free agent once his contract expires in the summer of 2025. However, there's set to be multiple European sides chasing him, including Barcelona, Inter Milan and Juventus.
Therefore, it could come down to what these clubs have to offer, from Champions League football to a chance to compete for their domestic titles. So far, David has made 196 appearances across competitions for Lille, bagging 92 goals and 20 assists.