Karim Benzema has been touted as a potential short-term Man United signing in recent days 16 years after Sir Alex Ferguson first wanted to bring him to Old Trafford
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has shared details on how Sir Alex Ferguson attempted to lure Karim Benzema to the club.
The France international has been touted as a potential short-term signing for United in January as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his attacking options heading into the second half of the season. Rasmus Hojlund has found the net only once in the Premier League, whilst there remain concerns over the fitness of Anthony Martial.
After 14 long years at Real Madrid, Benzema opted for pastures news in the summer, signing for Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad. Having won a whopping 25 trophies with the Spanish giants, he also scored 353 goals in 647 appearances, sealing a reputation as one of the world’s best strikers
The now 36-year-old came up against United for Lyon in a Champions League last-16 tie back in 2008, scoring in the first leg of their encounter at the Stade de Gerland. Ferdinand admitted how impressed he was with Benzema’s ability some 14 years on and claimed his manager had to be ‘pulled away’ from Benzema when discussing a potential transfer with him.
“The first time I played against him, Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign him,” said Ferdinand. “He was speaking to him in the tunnel after the game and Lyon officials had to pull him away. His movement that day was brilliant.”
Benzema has found the net 12 times in his first 20 appearances for the Saudi Pro League side and is said to be enjoying his new venture in the Middle East. Ferguson previously explained how close Benzema came to joining United.
He said: “We tried to spend [the Cristiano Ronaldo money] on Karim Benzema as, at 21, I felt that there would be an improvement there. He is tough, good physique, and a good goal-scoring record, so it was worth going a wee bit extra for him because of his age.
“But when it went to £42m, it was beyond his value. We went to £35m and I think that was fair.”
