We 'signed' Karim Benzema for Man United in January transfer window and here's what happened

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Al Ittihad striker Karim Benzema, but what could happen if he actually signed for Erik ten Hag's side?

Benzema was one of the many high-profile players who made the move to Saudi Arabia in the summer, with the Frenchman joining Al Ittihad from Real Madrid. But reports in France claim that Benzema had asked to leave Al-Ittihad after just six months at the club, putting many teams – including United - on red alert.

Benzema turned 36 in December, but the striker still has lots to offer. The Frenchman scored 19 goals in 24 La Liga games last season with Real Madrid, and with United's lack of goals in attack, he could prove a great option for Ten Hag and much-needed competition for Rasmus Hojlund.

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So, if United signed Benzema, how could he perform? We simulated the rest of the season to find out.

To set up this simulation, we used Football Manager 2024 to move Benzema to United in the January transfer window before simulating the rest of the 2023/24 season. This is how the France International performed.

Benzema wasn't always available, but when he was he was fantastic at United, ending the season as the club's fourth top goalscorer. The striker only made 11 appearances for Ten Hag's side, but he managed a great return of seven goals and two assists in that time.

Not only did he score goals, but his presence seemed to help Marcus Rashford and Hojlund in front of goal, with the duo ending the campaign on 15 and 11 goals respectively. At the end of the 2023/24 season, Football Manager 2024 put