Insider reveals Man United's close deal to sign elite global striker
Karim Benzema nearly signed for Man United (Picture: Getty Images)
Manchester United wanted to sign Karim Benzema to replace Cristiano Ronaldo back in 2009, Michael Owen has revealed.
The pundit told BT Sport that he only ended up at Old Trafford in his place because Benzema opted to move to Real Madrid instead.
‘Benzema was Manchester United’s first choice before I signed for them,’ Owen explained.
‘If he didn’t say yes to Real Madrid then I wouldn’t have been at Man United.’
This won’t exactly be music to the ears of United fans, with Benzema going on to become one of the best players in the world in his time at the Bernabeu, while Owen largely flopped in his time in Manchester due to repeated injury problems.
during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Sunderland at Goodison Park on May 9, 2015 in Liverpool, England.
Michael Owen has revealed all (Picture: Getty Images)