Antony cost €95 million, the fortune United is preparing to replace him

A year ago, Manchester United surprised everyone when they announced the signing of one of the most promising gems in world football by paying 95 million euros to Ajax for Antony. The price paid for the Brazilian striker was considered excessive by many, because although the player had shown great qualities in the Eredivisie, they did not think he was worth that much.

However, Erik ten Hag knew him well as they had played together at Ajax, and he felt that Antony could be the next big star at Manchester United and the Old Trafford fans welcomed him with open arms. But Antony did not perform as well as expected in his debut season, which is why the Dutch manager is now considering signing another player in that position to compete with him.

He is Ollie Watkins, who currently plays for Aston Villa. Ollie is 27 years old and can play both as a centre forward and on either side of the pitch, something that has made him one of the most interesting players for Erik ten Hag, who has been looking for players who can play in different positions due to the budget uncertainty.

Watkins played 37 of a possible 38 Premier League games for Aston Villa and scored 15 goals, more than three times as many as Antony scored in his first season with the Red Devils. Given this and United's need to sign strikers, Ollie Watkins appears to be a player who would fit perfectly into Erik ten Hag's planned scheme for next season.

How much would Manchester United pay for Ollie Watkins?

After a fantastic season with Aston Villa, Ollie Watkins has increased his value from 35 million euros to 40 million euros, according to Transfermarkt. It is therefore expected that if Erik ten Hag really wants him in the team, the board will have to put up that amount to even think about opening negotiations with Aston Villa.