Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker believes that the club should prioritize signing Ollie Watkins over Ivan Toney this summer. According to Parker, Watkins, who currently plays for Aston Villa, is the best all-around No. 9 in the Premier League.
While acknowledging Rasmus Hojlund’s potential, Parker suggests that United’s focus should be on adding competition and quality upfront. He argues that Toney, despite his goal-scoring prowess. May not be the ideal fit due to his playing style, which resembles that of Harry Kane.
“In my opinion, if you’re looking to bolster the squad and provide competition for Hojlund. Ivan Toney may not be the best choice,” Parker stated. “Toney tends to play a deeper role, similar to Harry Kane, rather than as a traditional center-forward.”
Parker advocates for Watkins, emphasizing his proven track record in the Premier League and his ability to contribute consistently. He acknowledges that Watkins would come at a higher price tag, possibly around £100 million, but believes it would be a worthy investment given Watkins’ performance and versatility.
Despite Watkins’ impressive season with Villa, Parker feels that he has not received the recognition he deserves, attributing it to the media’s focus on protecting Kane’s position in the England team for the upcoming European Championship.
“Despite his remarkable contributions this season, Watkins often flies under the radar in the media,” Parker noted. “His work rate, unselfishness, and goal-scoring ability make him the standout all-around center-forward in the league.”
Parker’s endorsement of Watkins highlights the potential impact the Villa striker could have at Old Trafford and suggests a strategic approach to bolstering United’s attacking options.
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