Erik ten Hag will likely be hoping to safe just a few new Manchester United signings throughout the January switch window as a way to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo.
The mercurial Portuguese ahead left the membership in acrimonious circumstances final month following a controversial interview with Piers Morgan, and though the veteran had scored simply three objectives throughout all competitions in 2022/23, the United boss urgently requires some reinforcements within the attacking division.
In keeping with stories in Spain (by way of Football 365), the Outdated Trafford giants have made a proposal to signal Actual Madrid ahead Karim Benzema in January, with the Frenchman having simply six months left on his present deal on the Champions League holders.
Regardless of the striker turning 35 on Monday, he is likely one of the most interesting gamers on the continent, evidenced by winning the Ballon d’Or award this yr for his performances.
Final season was the most prolific of his profession, and regardless of bursting onto the scene with Lyon method again in 2005, Benzema is ageing like a high-quality wine.
The 34-year-old scored 44 objectives final time period, together with 15 within the Champions League as he helped Actual Madrid to glory following some glorious performances within the knockout phases, and Ten Hag would certainly love somebody of that high quality main the road for United throughout the second half of the season.
Will Man United end within the high 4 this season?
Sure
No
The Frenchman – who was dubbed a “genius” by broadcaster Nathan Murray – isn’t only a goalscorer. Regardless of his ridiculous numbers from final season, he can even create loads of probabilities for his team-mates.
Throughout his membership profession, the £395k-per-week ahead has registered 187 assists, primarily throughout his time spent within the shadow of Ronaldo at Actual Madrid, however this all-round capability may very well be essential in Ten Hag’s new-look United facet.
There are clearly youthful gamers accessible in the marketplace who may develop into a part of the long-term future on the Purple Devils, however none maintain the extraordinary pedigree of Benzema, who shouldn’t have bother adapting to Premier League soccer if he makes the transfer to England.
It feels like an bold transfer by Ten Hag, but when he someway manages to drag it off, he would possibly simply have an excellent Ronaldo inheritor who may spur United on to complete within the high 4 by the tip of the season.