Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has urged the club to sign former Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema to solve their issue in front of goal.
Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United to sign free agent Karim Benzema, believing the veteran striker could solve their problems in attack. Ferdinand feels United are missing a natural focal point up front, particularly as Benjamin Sesko, recently linked with Juventus, struggles with fitness.
The Slovenian international is yet to start a Premier League game this season and missed the 1-1 draw with Fulham before the international break after suffering another setback with his shin problem. Joshua Zirkzee has also fallen down the pecking order under Michael Carrick, leaving Matheus Cunha to operate as a makeshift No. 9.
While Matheus Cunha scored his first league goal against Fulham, Ferdinand believes Manchester United need a more natural striker to lead the line.
“Without [Sesko], there isn’t really a focal point,” Ferdinand said via The Sun, before adding, “We’ve got players that want to come deep to the ball more often than not and get involved in the build-up and then you lose that focal point out there.”
Benzema could solve United’s problems up top
Ferdinand believes Benzema could provide that presence while also helping Manchester United manage Sesko’s workload when the youngster returns.
The former England defender added, “But if you had somebody up there who could share the minutes, share the load, help in terms of experience, lend that experience to Sesko for him to learn as well, you’d have been getting so much more out of just a signing to go and play the 90 minutes.”
Ferdinand also named former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck as another player who could have strengthened Carrick’s forward options, but Benzema stands out as an intriguing possibility because he remains available on a free transfer.
“Welbeck springs to mind, obviously, so does Benzema. Two players I feel would have added huge value to the forward line that we have,” the Manchester United legend further added.
The 38-year-old left Al-Hilal after his spell in Saudi Arabia came to an end and is currently without a club. He scored 10 goals in 12 league appearances for Al-Hilal, while his combined record in the Middle East stands at 86 goal contributions in 99 appearances for Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal.
At 38, Benzema represents a short-term solution, though his experience and proven quality are undeniable. The Ballon d’Or winner is not only a proven goalscorer but also an intelligent link-up player who can create opportunities for teammates through his movement and passing.
For Manchester United, such qualities could provide a different dimension to their attack while giving Sesko time to recover and develop without carrying the entire burden of leading the line. Ferdinand’s suggestion comes as United prepare to return from the international break against Tottenham, with Carrick’s side looking to end a three-game winless run in all competitions.