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.
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.
"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.
Hacabcdeny
0
why can't United look for young players mostly those under 20s
Tesabcoy
0
why do Manchester United have academy players? . it means no striker in under 18/20s . should we spend huge to sign flops again . I think this is a game of con to club's owners by agents and club managers. why thinking of old dead car , while there is new models in the market. Benzina brand football parent. better Abidi Pele of Ghana or Drogba
mieeklnprs
0
I like this man and you are welcome Sir
Siyabmprty
1
bring him before ETH follow Jose Mourinho
Siyabmprty
2
bring him already
Kkrexuke
1
Benzema is good but at his age, you can't expect him to press the defenders in EPL. his style will more or less be like Ronaldo, getting active only when teammates retrieve the ball.
fiyacdloy
0
Benzima Suits Chelsea not ManU
Joumoprt
0
man u!!!!!
JijangaUtdfan
0
😂😂yeah Rashford
He doesn’t know where he’s going
kuyacklnsz
1
Man utd has no problem with strikers, the midfielders wingers don’t know how to Find striker with ball, Rashford the one runs with no direction
😂😂yeah Rashford
kuyacklnsz
1
I wish it was Messi
joshuamatthew
0
This club never learns from their mistakes
JijangaUtdfan
5
Man utd has no problem with strikers, the midfielders wingers don’t know how to Find striker with ball, Rashford the one runs with no direction
rafaeljoel
0
here, you can go in
[image]
I said you're 13yrs old as your team I repeat how can I argue with my baby not even my son....You're my baby boy age mate
rafaeljoel
0
that's why you write bullshit about us winning the treble.
Is it new to us we hard with it without money we made it with football religion not oil prices
titcdinstu
0
you just the prodigal son, madrid will take you back.
Obedjames
1
Old traford old players
neokmnpr
1
man united s problem is not striker but selfishness from other players, if they will leave that selfishness, the current strikers are ok then.
LeoM17
0
I think you're 13yrs old as your team
here, you can go in
LeoM17
0
man city fans are obsessed about Manchester while we don't even notice you guys
that's why you write bullshit about us winning the treble.
cahcahclanz
0
he's too old for man u program
vundlosz
4
strike is never a problem to man utd
Mula0777
0
Please first do some research before commenting.. who creates more for others in the premier League?
This is the problem you fools. What has he done with his creativity. If you really watch games you’ll know Bruno is average and a selfish player who complains like a baby especially when we are loosing. You are confidently saying he should go search for rubbish look at where our club is right now look at that squad and tell me who would be able to win a PL or champions league or n that full squad in the next 5 years fool
Yibbdeortu
0
let's get him and finish him ten hag has no strategy
rafaeljoel
0
The only thing Man Utd is good is destroying the players. Eg, CR7
I think you're 13yrs old as your team
zapbcdmops
0
The only thing Man Utd is good is destroying the players. Eg, CR7
man city fans are obsessed about Manchester while we don't even notice you guys
muhceilrst
2
Benzema is good though u have greenwood as good finisher but with ETH even benzema won't solve anything
tatbcnopu
0
EPL is not like Laliga where guys pass the ball and are soft to their opponents.. He will be kicked and sidelined for the rest of the Season since he had a history of getting injured
Kayodeayodele
0
sing Him is a good player
Help them sign him 😂
Vababcdpry
1
at 36 you bring him in in epl? common sense man u
mincimprz
1
Benzema is good
Hewdelsuy
0
The United strikers problem is because of Fernandes. The guy just shoots whenever he has the chance not thinking about the end result. He is too selfish for a mid fielder but you can't point at him coz he is your captain lol
Please first do some research before commenting.. who creates more for others in the premier League?
Joaacemnry
0
The United strikers problem is because of Fernandes. The guy just shoots whenever he has the chance not thinking about the end result. He is too selfish for a mid fielder but you can't point at him coz he is your captain lol
that is true
Wahknstuy
4
I’m curious to see him in the field ⚽️😜⚽️ good luck
LeoM17
5
The only thing Man Utd is good is destroying the players. Eg, CR7
Leybektuy
5
The United strikers problem is because of Fernandes. The guy just shoots whenever he has the chance not thinking about the end result. He is too selfish for a mid fielder but you can't point at him coz he is your captain lol
Hibbiknsu
0
you have Greenwood but you claim you don't have finishers
That’s a rude boy
Tidacdnoy
2
benzema is good player to sign
Cutdeilopz
1
he can't playing at united benzema cuz he use to get injury everytime he can't playing five game in row without injures and also he aready tired now just playing Saudi to get last cash n retire
Colito
1
you have Greenwood but you claim you don't have finishers
Acksonphiri
2
people were saying that Saudi Arabian league, it's for children, now look at those players who are looking for the way to move out from Saudi league.the fact is that Benzema has failed to score for the team.he thought he will be scoring hat tricks like as simple as drinking water.ask Benzema now his experience with Saudi league.
lenbcdilrs
0
i hopefully karim is back Again in Europe
moeadklmsz
4
sing Him is a good player
Sameersays1
0
its Benzema who ruled out that move... 😎😎