Man Utd reach final decision on January transfer move for striker Karim Benzema

15 January 2024 , 18:09

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Manchester United are not interested in signing in Karim Benzema (Image: Getty Images)

Manchester United have ruled out a move for Karim Benzema to help solve their goalscoring crisis.

United have been linked with the former Real Madrid striker, 36, with Erik ten Hag's side struggling to find the net. But United have not approached Benzema's representatives about a move to Old Trafford, due to his age and wages estimated at £86million-a-season.

Benzema only joined Saudi Pro-League side Al-Ittihad six months ago, after bringing to an end his glittering 14-year spell at Real. But the former France striker has fallen out with manager Marcelo Gallardo, after he failed to report for the team's pre-season training camp.

The squad travelled to Dubai without Benzema, with Gallardo warning the five-time Champions League winner he was not welcome to join up with the squad. Benzema, who scored 12 goals in 20 appearances for Al-Ittihad, is now facing an uncertain future, but is understood to be keen on returning to Europe.

United want to sign a striker on loan this month, with Ten Hag's side among the lowest scoring teams in the Premier League this season, with 24 goals from 21 games. Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund have struggled to score regularly, while Anthony Martial has failed to find form or fitness and is currently sidelined.

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United are exploring the loan market this month, with a view to bringing someone in on a short-term deal, with Financial Fair Play rules restricting them to temporary deals. "You always have to consider such choices," Ten Hag admitted earlier this month.

"They are, again, two very good loans; (Marcel) Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst really contributed to our success last year.‌ When such opportunities come up, we have to take them.

Benzema wants to leave Saudi Arabia (Anadolu via Getty Images)

"At the same time, you have to analyse what we have on board, what is coming up." Despite Benzema's potential availability, United do not see the veteran forward as a viable option, even on a short-term basis.

Chelsea and Arsenal are also in the market for a striker, but it remains to be seen if either are willing to consider offering Benzema an escape route from Saudi. Benzema won 25 major trophies during his time in Madrid and was capped 97 times for France, before retiring from international football in December 2022.

Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is also looking to leave Saudi Arabia after spending just six months at Al-Ettifaq, with Ajax boss John van 't Schip confirming they are hoping to sign the midfielder.

David McDonnell