Ferdinand backs free agent Benzema as Man Utd's missing piece

Rio Ferdinand has identified Karim Benzema as a potential solution to Manchester United’s current shortage of attacking options. The former defender believes the 38-year-old free agent would provide essential experience and depth for the Red Devils' front line.

Summer transfer strategy under scrutiny

Manchester United focused exclusively on midfield reinforcements during the summer window, acquiring Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans, and Andrey Santos. These three signings cost the club a combined £155 million. Apart from securing Karl Darlow as a backup goalkeeper on a free transfer, INEOS did not address other playing departments.

The consequences of this limited activity have emerged early in the campaign. The failure to sign a replacement for Luke Shaw left Michael Carrick without a natural option at left-back when the Englishman was absent. Additionally, the club did not replace unwanted striker Joshua Zikzee with a new centre-forward, leaving the striking options unchanged.

Injury concerns and squad depth

Benjamin Sesko faces the risk of another extended absence due to an injury relapse. This situation threatens to leave the team without a proper No.9 heading into a demanding schedule after the international break. Ferdinand argues that an experienced profile is needed to support Sesko and offer crucial depth upfront.

"Without Sesko, there isn’t really a focal point," Ferdinand stated on his podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents, as reported by Metro. He noted that current players tend to drop deep into build-up play, removing the central target man presence. "But if you had somebody up there who could share the minutes, share the load, help in terms of experience, lend that experience to Sesko for him to learn as well, you’d have been getting so much more out of just a signing to go and play the 90 minutes."

Potential candidates for the role

Ferdinand highlighted Danny Welbeck and Karim Benzema as ideal profiles for this specific role. "Welbeck springs to mind, obviously, so does Benzema. Two players I feel would have added huge value to the forward line that we have," he said. Last summer, some United fans regretted Welbeck’s move from Brighton to Chelsea, believing the 35-year-old should have returned to Carrington.

Benzema is currently available as a free agent following a brief stint at Al-Hilal. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner is widely regarded as one of the best centre-forwards of the 21st century. However, his recent experiences in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal ended poorly, and reports suggest the Frenchman is considering retirement. At 38, stepping away might be the wisest choice for such a decorated player. Conversely, United might benefit more from pursuing a younger, hungrier profile, given indications that Benzema may no longer wish to endure professional football demands.