Man Utd Transfers: 5 Replacements For Wayne Rooney

4. Karim Benzema

When news of Wayne Rooney's apparent unhappiness at Manchester United first came to light back in May, one of the players touted as his replacement was Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema. A report in The Sun at the time claimed the Red Devils would use the £25 million likely received from any sale of Rooney and put it toward the £30 million acquisition of the France star, 25. United have a long-standing interest in Benzema which dates back to 2009. Then, they tried to sign him while he was playing for Lyon, but lost out when Madrid paid the French club £35 million for his services. Since then, the number 9 has netted 89 goals in 183 overall appearances for Los Blancos, and has also provided 50 assists. With Real continuing to be linked with a move for Liverpool's Luis Suarez however, Benzema could find himself falling down the pecking order next season. The France international only has two years left of the deal he signed at the Bernabeu four seasons ago - could the English champions be about to rekindle their interest in the striker?
Contributor
Contributor

Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.