Man Utd repeat transfer trick with Karim Benzema as Sir Alex Ferguson home visit emerges

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Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly visited Karim Benzema's parents to try and convince him to join Manchester United when he was at Lyon.

The legendary Old Trafford boss was a huge admirer of the French striker after he caught his eye when the two clubs met in the Champions League last 16 during the 2007/08 season. Benzema scored in the first leg, a 1-1 draw in France, but United claimed a 1-0 win in Manchester to advance to the next round thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's winning strike.

Ferguson was so impressed by Benzema's performance over the two legs, he approached him in the Old Trafford tunnel after the game before Lyon officials had to intervene, according to Rio Ferdinand, who played in the fixture. The former United defender told BT Sport: "The first time I played against him, Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign him. He was speaking to him in the tunnel after the game and Lyon officials had to pull him away."

Benzema was firmly on United's radar at this point and his interest would only heighten as the Red Devils would try and sign the talisman from Lyon. And the former United boss did everything he could to enhance their chances of securing the deal for the Frenchman.

Sir Alex visited Benzema's