Sir Jim Ratcliffe has strongly advocated for Manchester United to pursue the signing of Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad to solve their persistent goal-scoring problems. With Manchester United currently facing difficulties in finding the back of the net, Ratcliffe believes that Benzema, a player of immense talent and experience, could be the perfect solution. Louis Saha, a former France international and ex-United striker, has also voiced his support for this potential move, emphasizing that Benzema’s presence could help the Red Devils overcome their offensive struggles.
Benzema, widely regarded as one of the finest strikers of his generation, would bring not only his lethal finishing but also his ability to link up play effectively. This is something Manchester United has been missing in their current lineup. Ratcliffe, aware of the young striker Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles, has expressed concern that the club has not provided enough support for Hojlund, who has yet to find the net in his debut Premier League season. According to Ratcliffe, the lack of proper assistance and a more experienced mentor could be a key factor in Hojlund’s ongoing goal drought.
Ratcliffe remarked, “Benzema would completely transform United’s attacking setup, and that’s exactly what the team needs right now. He’s a proven goal-scorer and someone who can connect the team’s play much more effectively. It might seem like a far-fetched dream, but Karim is still highly professional and has so much to offer. He’s the kind of player who could teach Hojlund a lot and help him develop into a top striker.” The thought of Benzema leading the United attack is an enticing one for many, as his wealth of experience would not only benefit the team immediately but also serve as a valuable learning opportunity for younger players.
Reports suggest that Manchester United are currently in pole position to bring Benzema to Old Trafford on a short-term basis, following the recent appointment of Omar Berrada as the club’s CEO. This potential move comes despite Benzema signing a highly lucrative contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad earlier in the summer, reportedly earning an eye-watering £2 million per week. However, like several other high-profile players who have recently moved to the Saudi Pro-League, Benzema is believed to be having second thoughts about his decision to leave Real Madrid and is seeking a way out.
Benzema’s potential availability has sparked interest across Europe, with the forward reportedly being given the green light to leave Al-Ittihad if a deal can be struck that covers a significant portion of his massive wages. While a return to Real Madrid seems unlikely, Benzema is said to be weighing up three possible destinations, with his former club Lyon emerging as one of the favorites to secure his signature. Lyon, where Benzema began his illustrious career, would love to bring the forward back, but the financial demands of such a move could pose a significant challenge.
In Ratcliffe’s view, Manchester United could benefit greatly from a player like Benzema, not only in terms of goals but also in helping to ease the pressure on Hojlund. Benzema’s leadership and experience could be a key factor in United’s resurgence, and if the club is serious about addressing its offensive woes, pursuing this deal could prove to be a game-changing decision.
Although the idea of signing Benzema might still be in its early stages, the prospect of having one of the world’s most decorated strikers at Old Trafford has certainly captured the imagination of the United faithful.