Manchester United’s ideal £30m replacement for Wayne Rooney?

I have to say, Wayne Rooney’s current situation at Manchester United is most perplexing. He’s at one of the world’s most successful clubs, plays alongside some sensationally talented team-mates, wins silverware regularly and is one of the best paid footballers in the world.

What more does he want?

And yet, Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed after his Swansea swan-song that Wayne Rooney had asked for a transfer away from Manchester United.

He went on to add that the club had ‘refused’ his request and that Wayne Rooney’s future at the club was ‘not my decision now’. (Source: The BBC).

It’s now up to new Manchester United boss, David Moyes, to decide what he wants to do. Should the ex-Everton man decide to move him on, Rooney will have no shortage of suitors and Manchester United will probably get a decent fee for him.

And should he go, I’m sure Moyes will be looking to pump his fee back into the transfer market and sign up a new forward.

Yes, they’ll still have Robin Van Persie, but with the Dutchman getting older, it makes sense to bring somebody else in who can support him.

Could Karim Benzema be that man? According to The Sun, the French forward has been lined up as a replacement for Rooney, should he leave this summer.

He’s a player who was on Manchester United’s radar as far back at 2009, but Real Madrid saw off all the competition to win his signature. Now Benzema has just two years left on his contract and may well be tempted by a move to a big club like Manchester United.

As replacements go, Benzema would be an excellent choice. The 25-year-old is about to enter the best years of his career and given what’s come before, that’s saying something.

In 47 appearances this season, he scored 19 times but has also picked up 20 assists. Last year he scored 32 times and grabbed 15 assists. So yes, he’s a fine finisher, but he’s also a team-player, who also seems to contribute something when he’s on the pitch.

His link-up play is excellent, he’s strong in the air and he has great technique along the ground. He certainly won’t look out of place at Manchester United.

He’s thought to have a £30m price-tag, but if Moyes has money to spend from the Rooney deal, this move would seem to make a lot of sense.

What’s your take? Would you like to see Karim Benzema work his magic at Old Trafford?

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