It was goals galore on a rainy evening of football at Old Trafford as Manchester United thrashed Ipswich Town 5-2 to record their first win of the season.
Bruno Fernandes was directly involved in four goals, bagging an incredible hat-trick and providing an assist for his side’s fifth goal. However, the impressive scoreline should not obscure the similar concerns Michael Carrick faced in the first half.
With Benjamin Sesko still on the bench, United once again lacked a focal point and decisive presence in the penalty area. At one point, it seemed they would fail to make the most of their possession, as they did against Hull City in the Premier League opener.
This time, PFA Players’ Player of the Year Fernandes, as he often does, stepped up to open the floodgates against Ipswich.
The Portuguese maestro showed that United can rely on him for another campaign. However, given the Red Devils are playing in Europe this term, it would be wise to add another experienced attacker before Tuesday’s deadline.
With just a few hours left before the window shuts, Manchester United have neither the time nor the budget to bring in a high-profile forward, even if Joshua Zirkzee leaves amid interest from Serie A clubs. However, a left-field opportunity may have emerged for United following an unexpected development in Saudi Arabia.
Why Manchester United should consider signing Karim Benzema
Only seven months ago, Karim Benzema became one of Al-Hilal’s biggest signings after leaving Al-Ittihad. The Ballon d’Or-winning striker maintained his prolific goalscoring form at his new club, but he quickly fell out of favour.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the Frenchman is set to leave Al-Hilal by mutual consent. “As reported in June, Benzema made it clear he wouldn’t stay and be deregistered from Saudi Pro League games,” Jacobs wrote on X.
Karim Benzema set to leave Al-Hilal by mutual consent.
As reported in June, Benzema made it clear he wouldn't stay and be deregistered from Saudi Pro League games.
Understand Al-Shabab are exploring a move. Benzema keeping all options open, including retirement.🇫🇷 https://t.co/75D56hNNYh
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 30, 2026
It is understood that Benzema is keeping all options open, including retirement. Convincing the 38-year-old to return to Europe may prove to be an uphill task for United, but considering the profile of striker INEOS are thought to be looking for, they should certainly try their luck.
Benzema may have lost his pace, but he remains a destructive presence in front of the net, exactly the type of figure United’s attack lacks. In 16 appearances for Al-Hilal, he scored 10 goals and registered five assists.
Set-piece goals became a bedrock for Carrick in the second half of last season, but Casemiro’s departure has weakened the Mancunians in that department. The 6’1″ Benzema has the aerial prowess and positional intelligence to fill his former Real teammate’s void in Manchester.
United could also do with the five-time Champions League winner’s experience in Europe as they return to the competition after a gap of two years.
In the post-Sir Alex era, the Red Devils have gone down the unpopular route of signing experienced strikers several times by placing their trust in the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Odion Ighalo, Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Whether the new hierarchy would take such a chance remains unknown, but one thing is certain: they will not be able to find a better option than Benzema at this stage of the window without massively overpaying.
Featured image by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
