Manchester United has been advised to sign a Premier League striker who has showcased remarkable performance with 15 goals and 10 assists this season, often drawing comparisons to Rashford.

Ex-Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot has recommended that Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea consider acquiring the services of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. Acknowledging Watkins’ skills on the field, Melchiot stressed that the English international’s goal-scoring capabilities make him a valuable asset for top-tier clubs in the league.

Watkins has impressively contributed with 15 goals and 10 assists across all competitions this season, playing a crucial role in Aston Villa’s commendable performance and their push for a top-four position under manager Unai Emery.

Despite Manchester United successfully acquiring the promising teenager Rasmus Hojlund in the summer, Melchiot proposed that the Red Devils could gain advantages from bringing in a more experienced Premier League player like Watkins. This suggestion is particularly pertinent given Hojlund’s relatively slower adaptation to the demands of the English top-flight.

In an exclusive interview with Ladbrokes Fanzone, Melchiot expressed his admiration for Watkins, highlighting the striker’s development as a late bloomer in elite football. Melchiot further stated that signing Watkins would be a “no-brainer” for any of the three mentioned clubs – Manchester United, Arsenal, or Chelsea – emphasizing the necessity for a goal-scoring presence in their respective squads.

He pointed out the tendency of top teams to prioritize immediate impact from new signings, potentially overlooking players like Watkins, who might take some time to fully adjust to the demands of higher-level competition. However, he argued that Watkins could fulfill the common requirement for all three clubs: a prolific striker capable of consistently finding the back of the net.

In essence, Melchiot’s recommendation revolves around recognizing Watkins as a valuable asset, particularly in addressing the shared need for a goal-scoring presence in the squads of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea. The former Chelsea defender’s insights underscore the potential impact Watkins could bring to these top-tier teams and challenge the notion of immediate impact as the sole criterion for signing players in the transfer market.