Sir Jim Ratcliffe's transfer plan gives Manchester United something that has helped their rivals

If it weren't for the world-class Harry Kane then Ollie Watkins would likely be a shoo-in to start as England's main striker at the European Championship finals in Germany this summer.

The Aston Villa striker has had a direct hand in more Premier League goals than any other player this season, scoring 19 and creating 12. His importance to Villa cannot be stressed enough, as they close in on Champions League qualification at the expense of Manchester United and Co.

Signed from Brentford in September 2020 for what was a club-record fee of £28million, plus £5m in add-ons, Watkins has plundered 34 goals in the Premier League since the start of last season, taking his overall tally in England's top flight to 59 in 143 games. It is an impressive return.

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What is all the more impressive is that Watkins was a late starter in the Premier League, not making his debut in the division until the age of 24. He had previously spent three years in the Championship with Brentford after impressing in League Two with Exeter City.

Currently, Watkins is one of the best strikers in Europe and some newspaper gossip columns have linked him with United ahead of this summer. After such a blistering campaign, it is unlikely the Reds will be able to match Villa's demands.

United are on the cusp of entering one of the most critical summers in their recent history. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is implementing sweeping changes off the pitch and is set to follow suit on it, with only Andre Onana, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund understood to be players United want to retain at all costs.

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