Manchester United Considered Ollie Watkins Swap in Marcus Rashford Talks with Aston Villa

Manchester United reportedly explored an unexpected swap deal involving Marcus Rashford and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, according to sources from The Athletic. This idea surfaced as Rashford’s loan spell at Villa came to an end. Despite the presence of a £40 million buy option in his temporary contract, Aston Villa ultimately decided against signing the England international on a permanent basis.

Before that decision, discussions had reportedly taken place between both clubs over a potential player exchange, with United offering Rashford in return for Watkins—a striker who had also been on Arsenal’s radar earlier in the year. While that initial idea fell through, new reports suggest that United have now reignited their interest in Watkins separately, as they continue to look for reliable attacking reinforcements.

Villa’s financial constraints under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules have become a key factor in their summer strategy. Following the £65 million sale of Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr in January, another major departure could be on the cards—and Watkins, due to his value, might be next.

Watkins played a pivotal role for Villa last season, finishing with an impressive tally of 17 league goals and 14 assists. Yet, his relationship with manager Unai Emery hasn’t always been smooth. Notably, in the Champions League quarter-final ties against Paris Saint-Germain, Watkins was benched in favour of Rashford, sparking some frustration. Speaking to Sky Sports, Watkins admitted he was “fuming” about the decision and made his displeasure known to his coach, though he added that he used that anger as fuel to stay motivated.

Watkins’ consistent performances in the Premier League—marked by his movement, pressing, and work ethic—make him an appealing option for a Manchester United side still struggling to find a dependable goal scorer. Despite the acquisitions of Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, neither has yet shown they can consistently deliver at the level the club demands.

Letting go of Watkins would be a bold and unpopular decision for Villa, especially considering how crucial he has been to their attack. However, financial realities and the player’s visible dissatisfaction could force their hand.

The question remains: would a Watkins-for-Rashford trade have worked out better for both parties? While United could have landed a forward more suited to their tactical needs, Villa may have gambled on reviving Rashford’s form at a relatively low cost. In the end, Villa opted for caution—keeping their most reliable forward and avoiding the risks tied to Rashford’s recent inconsistency and higher wage demands.

As of now, United’s interest in Watkins persists, and a deal remains a possibility, but it would likely require a substantial fee—potentially in the region of £70–80 million—and competition from other top clubs may complicate the chase.