Roy Keane's comments about Ollie Watkins haven't gone down well with Aston Villa fans, they can't believe it

Aston Villa fans aren't happy with Roy Keane after what he said about star striker Ollie Watkins.

Ollie Watkins is enjoying an impressive campaign with Villa, having scored 16 goals and provided 10 assists in 28 Premier League matches.

The 28-year-old striker is behind only Erling Haaland in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot, and he has worked himself into contention to be included in the England squad for the European Championships this summer.

Villa have exceeded expectations under Unai Emery this term, and are well in the race to qualify for the Champions League.

Despite that, Watkins is inevitably being linked with a summer move to some of the more traditional 'bigger' top six sides.

Arsenal fan Watkins has been linked with the Gunners, while Chelsea and Manchester United are also said to be interested in him.

During the build-up to Villa's Premier League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, Roy Keane annoyed Villa fans by suggesting Watkins could join a 'big team' like Manchester United.

"He could play for one of the top teams couldn't he?" Keane asked fellow Sky Sports pundits Daniel Sturridge and Micah Richards.

"Villa are a top team, but when you're talking about bigger clubs, you're looking at Man United, Liverpool, Man City.

"That's a compliment to him. Not that he has to leave Villa, but he's capable of doing it I think.

Roy Keane believes Ollie Watkins is capable of playing at one of the 'top teams' 🔊 pic.twitter.com/LXlO6wjZw4

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 10, 2024

"He looks so sharp, he's got a good shape to him, I think his movement is as good as any other striker in the Premier League. He's having an amazing season."

It's fair to say that Villa fans weren't happy with Keane describing United as a bigger club than Villa, given Erik ten Hag's side are eight points behind them in the table.

"Roy Keane has just said that Watkins could play for a big team like Man United," one fan said on X, while another commented: "Roy Keane saying Ollie [Watkins] could play for Man Utd. The bloke is deluded and clearly stuck in 1999."

One neutral fan wrote: "I'm not a Villa supporter but I'd say he already is at a top team. Aston Villa is a huge club and they are playing very well. A bit more respect required."

Another fan accused Keane of being arrogant, saying: "Aren't Villa fourth currently? That’s close to the top isn’t it? Not even a Villa fan but the arrogance of the so called elite clubs is breathtaking sometimes."