Transfers
Manchester United blame Rashford’s position while eyeing Benzema
Man Utd have flagged Marcus Rashford’s positioning as a problem and, after Wayne Rooney’s critique, Rio Ferdinand has urged the club to sign free‑agent striker Karim Benzema before their next league game. Benzema, 38, left Al Hilal this summer after netting ten goals in sixteen appearances.
Rashford’s role questioned
Marcus Rashford has been a regular for Manchester United since returning from his Barcelona spell this summer. Wayne Rooney, the club’s all‑time top scorer, argued that Rashford’s lack of goals stems from his position on the pitch rather than a lingering hip problem. “I think the issue is he’s too far away from goal… He’s playing too wide, too deep at times,” Rooney said on the Stick to United podcast.
The England forward also missed Thomas Tuchel’s initial squad for the national side, withdrawing alongside Kobbie Mainoo over injury concerns. Despite the setbacks, Rashford has featured in six appearances this term without registering a goal or an assist.
Injury toll and upcoming fixtures
Manchester United entered the international break after a disappointing draw with Fulham. The club has since suffered a series of fitness blows, with Noussair Mazraoui becoming the third player under Michael Carrick to pick up an injury on international duty, joining Bruno Fernandes and Patrick Dorgu. Carrick now has just over a week before his side faces Tottenham Hotspur on October 10.
Benjamin Sesko missed the Fulham match with a shin issue and subsequently withdrew from the Slovenia squad. Matheus Cunha has been deployed as a centre‑forward, while Joshua Zirkzee remains available to Carrick.
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Ferdinand urges Benzema signing
Former United captain Rio Ferdinand has called on the Red Devils to sign free‑agent striker Karim Benzema to bolster Carrick’s attacking options. The 38‑year‑old left Al Hilal this summer after scoring ten goals in sixteen games and is available on a free transfer.
Ferdinand argued that United lack a recognised focal point up front and that Benzema’s experience could help share the minutes with young striker Benjamin Sesko. “We’ve got players that want to come deep to the ball more often than not… but if you had somebody up there who could share the load, it would add huge value,” he said on his YouTube channel. He also mentioned former United forward Danny Welbeck as another possible addition.
If United secure Benzema, the club would gain a seasoned goal‑scorer while the former Real Madrid star would obtain regular playing time in the Premier League for Man Utd. Both MAN and UTD would stand to gain from his experience. Ferdinand believes the move would benefit both parties, adding depth and experience to the Red Devils’ forward line.
Senior Sports Writer Jake Bayliss of Sport recorded the story at 04:30 on 2 October 2026. View 2 Images accompany the report.