Sir Alex Ferguson may once again go for Karim Benzema
French striker Karim Benzema, who was left out of the World Cup squad for France, was the hot target for Manchester United before the last season started. Benzema though chose to go to Real Madrid instead of Manchester United. The Frenchman did not have the best of seasons’ at Real, and now Sir Alex is considering once again trying his hand to lure him to Old Trafford.
Benzema is believed to be unhappy at Madrid and has not been able to find his feet at the Bernabeau. Ferguson believes that Benzema possesses a lot of skill and class, the style of play in Spain is just different and does not suit his style of play. Ferguson said that English game is faster and will suit Benzema, as opposed to the slow and technical game in La Liga.
Real Madrid’s new manager Jose Mourinho is still uncertain about number of players; he is yet to confirm if Benzema is part of his plans or not at Madrid. Ferguson will be hoping that the former Chelsea coach decides to leave Benzema out of his plans so that he can quickly make the move and get his man.
The Manchester United manager earlier said that he would not be making any more additions to the squad during this transfer window. However, his interest in Benzema is an open secret and given the right circumstances and right price there is no reason why the Scott will not bring the Frenchman to Old Trafford, also considering the fact that United do need a reputable attacking option in their ranks.
Manchester United did sign the Mexican striker Javier Hernandez before the World Cup, and the young front man’s abilities were put to display during the World Cup. The performance against France and South Africa did convince many that Ferguson once again has made a good buy. It will still be interesting to see if he will be able to blend in the team and adapt to the English game.
Manchester United currently have their ace striker Wayne Rooney, who was phenomenal for them throughout 2009-10 season before suffering an ankle injury towards the end of the season. Following a disappointing World Cup Rooney will be desperate to prove his worth at United.
Dimitar Berbatov meanwhile still remains a mystery for many; the Bulgarian has all the class and skill but it is the lack of determination that holds him back.
Michael Owen is the 3rd striker who was signed on a free transfer deal ahead of last season; the former Liverpool striker understandably did not get much game time last season. He did score couple of crucial goals and injured himself in the Carling Cup final. He is expected to be fit before the start of the season.
Federico Macheda, the young man who made his name by scoring the winner against Aston Villa in dramatic fashion in 2008-09 season is also fit and raring to go. If Ferguson does add Benzema it will be interesting to see who the manager chooses to lead the attack alongside Rooney.
Karim Benzema scored 8 goals in his first season in Spain; he played 27 matches but did not manage to find his feet in the team. It could have been down to several new players joining the team, and there was an obvious lack of coordination among them.
The disappointing season in Spain did lead to Benzema missing out on the World Cup, but considering how France did in South Africa he may not have too many complaints or on the flip side he may argue that had he been there things could have been different.
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