Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United’s new £71 million signing from Brentford, has publicly endorsed former Brentford teammate Ollie Watkins as the ideal central striker for the Red Devils.
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Mbeumo described Watkins as a “complete striker,” praising his tactical versatility: “He can drop to be available or go in behind… you can use his space… he can combine as well. It’s really good” .
Having teamed up with Watkins in the 2019–20 season at Brentford, the two combined for 49 goals and assists in the Championship—a partnership Mbeumo believes could translate well at Old Trafford .
United, under manager Ruben Amorim, have spent heavily this summer—£62.5 million on Matheus Cunha and £71 million on Mbeumo, with total outlay exceeding £130 million . With Rasmus Højlund yet to deliver and Joshua Zirkzee sidelined, a standout goalscorer remains a crucial missing piece .
Ollie Watkins, aged 29, has netted 75 Premier League goals since joining Aston Villa and delivers consistent goal and assist numbers—17 goals and 14 assists last season alone. He has scored regularly against top opponents like Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle, and Tottenham, and even bagged a key stoppage‑time winner to send England to the Euro final .
United have reportedly made fresh contact with Aston Villa about Watkins, who is valued in the £45–60 million range. However, Villa has insisted he is “not for sale,” though prior interest from Arsenal suggests willingness to entertain offers at the right price .
Mbeumo’s endorsement reinforces Watkins’ appeal—not only for his proven goalscoring record but also his compatibility with United’s attacking style and the existing partnership with Cunha and Mbeumo . As Mbeumo joins United, he expressed genuine excitement at the prospect of reuniting with Watkins: “It’s really good for me as a winger” .
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Let me know if you’d like a deeper look at Watkins vs other targets or projections for
United’s attack.
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