Ollie Watkins made 'he doesn't act his age' remark and Kobbie Mainoo's one-word reply

Kobbie Mainoo and Ollie Watkins have developed a remarkable bond, one that could have flourished at Manchester United if circumstances had unfolded differently this summer. Earlier in the transfer window, United considered a swoop for Watkins before ultimately pivoting to Benjamin Sesko, whose £74million move to Old Trafford was confirmed on Saturday.

Fans are naturally thrilled to witness the Slovenian in action, though his absence of Premier League experience warrants some prudence, particularly given the vivid recollections of Rasmus Hojlund's challenging adaptation period. Whilst Watkins may not have represented the more glamorous choice for the Red Devils, Mainoo's respect for the England striker hints he might have embraced such an alternative scenario.

Despite their near-decade age gap, Mainoo and Watkins developed an evident friendship throughout Euro 2024 with England. Following Watkins' stunning last-minute winner in their semi-final triumph against the Netherlands, Mainoo required only a single word to describe him on Instagram.

"Clutch," the United midfielder commented beneath Watkins' celebration post. The sentiment was reciprocated. Earlier during the tournament, when Watkins was questioned about his views on Mainoo, he was effusive in his praise.

"He doesn't act his age," the Aston Villa forward told ITV. "He's very mature on and off the pitch. Again, unbelievable English talent. [He's] got the world at his feet. I can't speak more highly of him.

"He's athletic and the composure on the ball - to take the ball and receive it in tight areas as a midfielder. I think that sets you apart, especially for the way we want to play. He is so comfortable on the ball. You can see why he's so comfortable on the ball."

This glowing endorsement hints that Watkins and United could have formed a formidable partnership had he made the switch to Old Trafford this summer. However, any dreams of such a duo must be shelved for the time being.

With Sesko's signing ending United's immediate search for a striker, Watkins is no longer in the frame, although it's understood that the 29-year-old still holds a place of esteem at Old Trafford and may be considered for a future approach.

Nevertheless, United are hopeful they won't need to revisit that option. A colossal investment exceeding £200m has been injected into a fresh attacking trio, with Sesko joining forces with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in an ambitious summer overhaul aimed at negating the requirement for further offensive additions for some time.

Mbeumo impressed with 20 Premier League goals for Brentford last term, while Cunha bagged 15 for Wolves. Sesko, on his part, scored 13 times in the Bundesliga for RB Leipzig, three less than Watkins' tally for Aston Villa.

Despite this, there's a wave of optimism sweeping through Old Trafford and beyond, with many believing Sesko has the potential to become a player who defines his generation.

The 22-year-old, previously linked with Arsenal, has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, thanks to a combination of physical and technical prowess, including a towering stature, rapid pace, exceptional ball control, and lethal finishing ability that has caught the attention of clubs across Europe.

For the time being, it will be Sesko, not Watkins, who will be on the receiving end of Mainoo's passes at Old Trafford. The duo will need to develop their own rapport, but with Mainoo's calm presence in midfield and Sesko's dynamic forward movement, the groundwork is already laid.

Nevertheless, the camaraderie displayed between Mainoo and Watkins during Euro 2024 serves as a poignant reminder of a partnership that could have flourished, and one that United might consider rekindling should the situation evolve.