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What's the rumour?
It is never a surprise to have Manchester United constantly being linked with transfer rumours or targets during the middle of the season. The red half of Manchester has continuously been linked with moves for Kovacic and Bale and the latest player to be linked with United is also another Real Madrid name, in the form of Karim Benzema. As per Diario Gol (via Goal.com), Manchester United have apparently been offered the chance to sign the Real Madrid forward.
In case you didn't know...
Benzema has had his fair share struggles both on and off the pitch. He has had troubles with injuries as well as goals. So far this campaign, he has made 22 appearances and racked up only five goals. Other than being injured, Benzema has been accused of partying late at night until the early hours of the morning as reported by the sources of Diario Gol.
Meanwhile, the Frenchman's game has also dropped off massively due to his lack of involvement in the game and inability to get behind. The 2-2 draw against Levante in the weekend was a perfect example of Benzema's poor work rate as he failed to register a single shot on target.
Also read: Should Cristiano Ronaldo end his association with Real Madrid this summer?
The heart of the matter
Benzema doesn't seem to be getting along with his teammates. There seems to be very little communication between him and the other players. The fact that Zidane keeps prioritizing his fellow countryman has left both Isco and Marco Asensio infuriated. Zidane's poor man management has left the younger Spanish players on the Madrid bench furious and they are reportedly frustrated at the lack of opportunity to prove themselves.
Rumour probability/rating: 7/10
The fact that Zidane is in charge of the Spanish club presently looks to be one of the primary reasons for Benzema to be getting so much time on the pitch. But irrespective of the manager in charge come June, the Real Madrid number 9 looks destined to be shipped away.
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Author's take
Karim Benzema moving on from Real Madrid will be the best outcome for both Benzema and Madrid, but not necessarily so for United. Manchester United have an abundance of talent up front and investing in another forward will not solve their other issues.
United need to be wary in their negotiations with Los Blancos since they may try to sneak in a move for David De Gea and involve Benzema in the deal. The end result may not turn out to be the best for the English club if they receive someone in a position that is already been sorted out and end up losing their asset without having found a replacement.
