Al Ittihad striker Karim Benzema is reportedly being looked at by Manchester United. Responding to this issue, former Man United player, Rio Ferdinand, actually really supports the Red Devils recruiting Benzema, but he doubts that this scenario will come true.
Because Ferdinand Benzema’s salary is too big and Man United will think a thousand times about paying that big salary. However, on the other hand, Ferdinand believes that Benzema’s presence could be a good thing for the Red Devils’ front line.
Yes, Man United is reportedly looking for a new striker to sharpen the front line. The news circulating is that the team led by Erik Ten Hag is linked with Al Ittihad striker, Karim Benzema.
The former Real Madrid bomber has the opportunity to leave Al Ittihad. Even though his contract will still end in June 2026. According to reports circulating, Benzema was expelled from the Al-Ittihad training camp in Dubai because he refused to attend club events and missed training sessions.
Because of this, rumours emerged linking Benzema with many clubs, one of which was Man United. Knowing that his former team was linked with an ageing striker like that, Ferdinand was very supportive.
“Listen, Benzema… how can you say no? How can you refuse the signing?” said Ferdinand, reported by Metro, Tuesday (16/1/2024).
However, Ferdinand is not sure that Man United can land Benzema. This is all because the 36 year old striker has a fantastic salary so it is felt that the Red Devils will put him aside.
“Maybe not, that’s what I mean. That’s why I don’t see the transfer happening. “I would be very surprised,” said Ferdinand. Furthermore, Ferdinand revealed that the presence of an experienced striker like Benzema would have a positive impact on Hojlund. According to him, the striker with the Danish passport needs a mentor figure in the current Man United squad.
“Hojlund needed someone to look at and learn from. “I remember when Danny Welbeck came into the first team and he saw Cristiano, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and other players,” said Ferdinand. “Diego Forlan comes in, a young Uruguayan striker, and you have Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ruud van Nistelrooy who he supports,” he continued.
“Chicharito, the same thing, they keep watching and saying: “That’s the real striker! That’s how the number 9 works and I will follow him. Hojlund is now looking at himself in the mirror! That’s it,” explained Ferdinand.
Regarding quality and experience, it is clear that Benzema has no doubts. He has gained a lot of success both at club level and the French national team. Even though he is already in his thirties, Benzema has currently scored 12 goals in 20 appearances in all competitions with Al-Ittihad.
