Rio Ferdinand calls for Benzema at Manchester United to solve attacking crisis

Karim Benzema remains without a club two months after terminating his contract with Al-Hilal, and Rio Ferdinand has just raised his voice calling for his signing at Manchester United.

On August 31, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner ended his Saudi adventure by mutual agreement with Al-Hilal, just six months after joining the club from Al-Ittihad. At 38 years old, the former French international is now free to sign with any club of his choice — but the wait continues.

It was on his YouTube channel that the former Manchester United centre-back took a stand. Ferdinand first highlighted the current shortcomings of the Red Devils’ attack, weakened by repeated injuries to Benjamin Sesko, who has been unable to start a single match since the start of the season. He concluded that the club should have recruited an experienced number 9 during the last summer transfer window.

“Welbeck comes to mind. But obviously, I immediately think of Benzema. A player who, in my opinion, would have brought considerable added value to our attacking line,” Ferdinand said.

The prospect remains speculative for now: Ferdinand is expressing a personal wish, and no official approach between Manchester United and Benzema’s representatives has been confirmed. Nevertheless, the public statement from such an emblematic figure at the club will not fail to fuel discussions at Old Trafford, at a time when the board is seeking short-term solutions to strengthen an attacking sector in difficulty.