Liverpool's Ollie Watkins decision could force answer to major Manchester United transfer question

Manchester United are expected to hunt for a striker this summer with Anthony Martial exiting, leaving Rasmus Hojlund as the only natural centre-forward.

It has become evident that Marcus Rashford is largely ineffective when played through the middle, while Hojlund missed eight games last season through injury. In an ideal world, the 21-year-old would not be the main striker.

United agreed to a deal worth up to £72m for him last summer, and time will tell whether that was a price worth paying. It’s a lot of money to spend on any player, not least in light of Premier League spending rules.

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The figure also means that paying out big again for a striker this summer seems unlikely, unless Sir Jim Ratcliffe truly is cut-throat with departures. Every player bar four - Andre Onana, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Hojlund - will be open for sale this off-season.

Of course, the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez are not thought to be on the exit treadmill unless a stupid amount of money is tabled - although with Saudi Pro League market influence, that is not an impossibility.

But it means the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Christian Eriksen and, more obviously, Casemiro could be chopped. If United are to get a main goalscorer that plays ahead of Hojlund, such sacrifices would be essential.

One name being linked with summer interest is Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. His 19 Premier League goals helped the Villans to Champions League qualification, a competition in which United will play no part next season.

If Ratcliffe is to convince him into a United move - a mighty