Rio Ferdinand believes there would be plenty of benefits should Manchester United end up signing Karim Benzema this month.
The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the veteran striker, who only quit Real Madrid to join the Saudi Pro League six months ago. But Benzema, 36, has fallen out with Al-Ittihad manager Marcelo Gallardo after failing to report for a pre-season training camp.
It's understood that Benzema already has designs on securing a return to Europe - and Ferdinand understands why acquiring a player of the Frenchman's calibre would appeal to his former club.
Speaking on his Five YouTube channel, Ferdinand said of a move for Benzema: “That’s just going back to old, what we’ve been doing before. We’ve done it with Cristiano [Ronaldo], we’ve done it with Falcao, we’ve done it with [Edinson] Cavani, we’ve done it with Zlatan [Ibrahimovic]. Listen, Benzema… how can you say no? How can you say no to that signing?”
Ferdinand continued, admitting that he was unsure whether Manchester United could realistically afford to accommodate the veteran's huge salary. He did, however, stress that Benzema's presence would greatly help Rasmus Hojlund, who has struggled since his summer switch from Atalanta.
He added: “One thing I would say, one person who needs that more than anyone else around right now Rasmus Hojlund. Hojlund needs that somebody to look and learn from.
“I remember when we had Danny Welbeck coming into the first-team and he’s looking up to Cristiano, [Wayne] Rooney, [Carlos] Tevez and those guys. Diego Forlan comes in, a young Uruguayan striker, and you’ve got Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ruud van Nistelrooy he’s backing up.
“Chicharito, the same thing, they’re looking on and going: 'That’s what a real striker is! That is how a true No.9 operates and I’m going to follow that'. Hojlund is looking at himself in the mirror! That’s it.”
Although Ferdinand may have outlined some of the benefits of signing Benzema, it has already been established that Manchester United are unlikely to pursue a deal for the striker.
Mirror Football has already outlined that the club are in the loan market for a forward this month, however, Financial Fair Play restrictions will dictate who United are able to acquire. It's estimated that Benzema earns around £86million-a-year.
Erik ten Hag's side have scored a paltry 24 goals in 21 Premier League games so far this term with Hojlund netting just twice. Marcus Rashford has also been out of form, while Anthony Martial has scored just one league goal and is available for transfer this month.