Man Utd told to sign Karim Benzema ‘even if only for a training session’ as Erik ten Hag plots Martial replacement
MANCHESTER UNITED have been urged to sign Karim Benzema on loan this month.
Erik ten Hag has been linked with a move to bolster his attacking options before the January transfer window closes.
Benzema could provide the solution, with former Red Devils striker Andy Cole telling his old club to snap up the Frenchman.
The 36-year-old is currently training alone at Al-Ittihad after returning to the club 17 days late from a recent holiday.
Asked whether United should pursue the loan signing of Benzema, Cole told Betfred: “150 per cent. I would sign him if it was only for a training session.
“I was very surprised when he left Real Madrid in the summer, but I understand why it happened. That money he’s earning in Saudi Arabia is generational wealth. It’s for his kids and his kids’ kids.
“When you’re at that age in your career and you’ve already won four La Liga titles, five Champions League trophies and the Ballon d’Or, I can understand why he went to Saudi.
“Could he do it in the Premier League at his age? 100 per cent considering the way he looks after himself.
“If Manchester United have the opportunity to sign him, then they should definitely try and make that happen.”
Benzema is reportedly unhappy at Al-Ittihad and wants a temporary move away from the Saudi champions.
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AFP claim he feels “under pressure” and has rejected the club’s offer of a loan move to another Saudi Pro League side.
Chelsea have been tipped as a potential destination for the former Real Madrid forward if he returns to Europe.
Benzema joined Al-Ittihad on a three-year deal in the summer and has since scored 12 goals in 20 appearances.
He won the Ballon d’Or in 2022 after winning both La Liga and the Champions League with Real Madrid, finishing as top scorer in both.