Manchester United fans are deeply divided over whether the club should try and sign a legendary striker that Sir Alex Ferguson always wanted to bring to Old Trafford.
Ferguson’s spell at United saw a roster of talented strikers arrive at Old Trafford, including Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney, Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke.
However, the 81-year-old Scotsman admitted that he missed out on his fair share of targets at United, which included legendary players he wished he managed.
Ferguson, who claimed that he managed only four world-class players at United, was a keen admirer of Karim Benzema and wanted to sign the ex-Real Madrid star.
According to The Guardian in 2009, the former United manager was ready to splash the money from Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Madrid in his bid to sign Benzema.
“We tried for Benzema because, at 21, I felt there would be an improvement there,” he said at the time.
“He is tough, with a good physique and goalscoring record, so it was worth going a wee bit extra for him because of his age.
“But when it went to 42m euros, it was beyond his value. We went to 35m and I think that was fair.”
Benzema left Madrid at the end of last season after a glittering spell in the Spanish capital and completed his move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad on a free.
Some United fans want Benzema transfer
Benzema has come under fire at Al Ittihad recently after fans turned on the former Madrid captain, with the club suffering six league defeats in 18 matches this season.
L’Equipe has reported that the 36-year-old French striker has the nickname of ‘Ben-Hazima’ from his own fans, which translates to ‘the son of defeat’ in Arabic.
Benzema was reunited with ex-Madrid teammate Ronaldo in his side’s 5-2 defeat to Al Nassr on Tuesday, with the Ballon d’Or winner picking up an assist in the match.
It was later reported that the Al Ittihad striker appeared to delete his Instagram account after the match and Benzema’s future in Saudi Arabia remains uncertain.
With speculation mounting over Benzema’s time in the Saudi Pro League, some fans believe that United should try to sign him on a potential six-month deal in January.
“Man United should be seriously talking to Karim Benzema,” one fan said.
Someone else commented: “Imagine Hojlund learning from Benzema at United? Yes, please.”
Another tweeted: “United should move for Benzema.”
While a fourth added: “Karim Benzema on a free for six months to help United win the FA Cup and climb the table. Could be a good option.”
“Man United need to act fast now and take Benzema, how good would he be with Hojlund? Six-month contract would be solid. We need players,” a fifth argued.
And a sixth wrote: “If true, Benzema would be the perfect short-term centre-forward [option that] United need right now. Also, a superb mentor for Hojlund.”
Other United fans baffled by Benzema transfer call
Despite some fans suggesting that Benzema could provide Erik ten Hag with a short-term striking option at United, others were baffled by the idea of signing him now.
Fans on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, suggested that United “is where it is” because of supporters wanting the likes of Benzema at Old Trafford.
One fan tweeted: “If United went for Benzema now, it would be the most United thing of all time. We wanted him 17 years ago.”
Another posted: “Why would you want Benzema at your club? An injury-prone old man who will probably play a [tenth] of the time he’s paid for.”
A third added: “This is why United is where it is. Benzema?”
“This fanbase will never learn,” a fourth simply wrote.
Someone else said: “We are not serious as a fanbase. How on earth is this good for us?”
A sixth fan commented: “How would he score when we don’t create chances for strikers?”
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