By Football Talk.
Karim Benzema has dismissed recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester United after claiming he wants to stay at Real Madrid and fight for his place and has no regrets about turning down the chance to join United last year.
Manchester United came close to signing Benzema last summer before the striker opted to move to Madrid, but after a difficult first season the Frenchman has once again been linked with a move Old Trafford. The 22-year-old has scored just 7 goals in 24 appearances this season and finds himself behind Ronaldo, Kaka, Higuain and Raul in the Madrid pecking order.
But despite this, Benzema is determined to stay and fight for his place and doesn’t look upon his first year as a failure.
He told L’Equipe: “I can’t see my first season at Real as a failure. Of course, I would have preferred it to go more smoothly, but I played.
“And when you see a man like Raul on the bench you learn a lot.
“I didn’t come for one season. I signed for six years and everyone at the club trusts me.”
Rumours have surfaced in England that Sir Alex Ferguson will look to offload Dimitar Berbatov who has endured a difficult time himself at Old Trafford, and make a second attempt to sign Benzema. But the striker says he doesn’t regret turning down Manchester United and wants to build his reputation at Real.
“Do I regret not signing for Manchester United? No. I dreamt about Real, that’s all.
“It was a first season to learn. I didn’t know what a season abroad was. Now I know, and next term, from the very first day, I will be at my very best. I don’t want to leave.
“I don’t think the club wants to see me leave. I want to make a name for myself.”
So it seems the player himself has no desire to make a move, but with the revolving managerial door thought to be in operation once again this summer if Manuel Pellegrini fails to secure Madrid the title, Benzema’s future may be put in question if a new manager comes in. Fergie will be keeping a close eye on his situation as he looks to add to Manchester United’s firepower for next season.
Would United fans like to see Benzema at Old Trafford? Please leave your comments below…
