Manchester United sent shock Karim Benzema transfer message

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha says Erik ten Hag may want to consider an extraordinary approach for Karim Benzema, albeit admitted this may be fanciful talk.

The 36-year-old moved from Real Madrid to Saudi club Al-Ittihad this summer and has scored 12 times in 20 matches so far. United have been poor in attack this season but Ten Hag will be restricted in the January market should he want to improve things.

Club officials are not expecting much to be spent this window amid Financial Fair Play concerns after splashing more than £180million over the summer. As a result, they are being forced to look at loan deals or cut-price captures.

READ MORE: Sancho nearing loan exit

READ MORE: United have ignored Ratcliffe mantra

Benzema’s contract in Saudi lasts until 2026 and so he would not come on the cheap despite his age, meaning United would have to make a loan approach. Saha believes Benzema would bring the goal nous that United currently need, although admitted this is perhaps a pipedream.

Speaking to AS, he said: "Benzema would change United's attack, and that's exactly what they need now. He would definitely score goals and also ensure better team play. For now it is just a dream, but Karim is still very professional."

Benzema was wanted by United prior to his move to Madrid in 2009, the same summer Cristiano Ronaldo left Old Trafford for the Bernabeu. The Frenchman left Los Blancos having won five Champions League trophies and four La Liga titles after netting 354 goals in 648 matches.

Sir Alex Ferguson previously revealed how close Benzema came to joining United. He explained: "We tried to spend [the Cristiano Ronaldo money] on Karim Benzema as, at 21, I felt that there would be an improvement there. He