Cole says Real Madrid's French striker is the one potential target who would come closest to fitting the identi-kit picture of a traditional centre forward.
Cole will revisit his famous attacking partnership with Dwight Yorke at United's Big Red Family Day out for Sport Relief on Saturday at Old Trafford.
For three seasons the duo, backed up by the Ole Solskjaer-Teddy Sheringham ticket, were the scourge of England and Europe.
Sir Alex Ferguson pioneered the four-strong senior strike force and it was the most successful quartet of that era. Arguably, it still is the best ever.
Now Cole believes another hitman to bolster the Reds attacking ranks is a must.
Benzema was top of Fergie's shopping list 12 months ago but the French international chose the Bernabeu and made a £30m switch from Lyon.
The 22-year-old hasn't established himself as a regular in Spain, though, and a second effort by United to land him could succeed this time. . . and delight Cole.
"I think Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen's injuries have proved that United do need another body in their strike force," Cole said.
"It wouldn't surprise me at all if the manager brings somebody in to add to the players he has. But the question is who do you buy?
"I was speaking to Sir Alex Ferguson last summer at his charity golf day and we were talking about the fact there are no No9s around these days.
"There are a lot of No10s, the playmakers who make things happen, about. But traditional goalscoring strikers are few and far between.
"Everyone has got the same dilemma. There are hardly any of them about. I look around the world, there's Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto'o in that No9 style, and then I'm struggling to name anyone else.
"Torres at Liverpool is a real old-fashioned English centre-forward. He's a throwback but you don't get many of them in England these days let alone from Europe. He is definitely a bit of a one-off.
"Karim Benzema is not identical to Torres but I think he is the nearest you might get to him. I think he is fantastic. He has great ability.
"I know Sir Alex wanted him last summer and if he can go back and try again and the lad decided he'd have more chance at Old Trafford then I think that would be really interesting. It's what United need."
Even if the Reds could persuade Benzema to give up Real and La Liga he wouldn't advocate ditching United's current wearer of the No9 shirt Dimitar Berbatov.
While Cole is chuffed that he is remembered fondly as a great Old Trafford goalscorer he admits his early years after signing for a then record £7m from Newcastle in January 1995 wasn't all plain sailing.
"I am really proud that my contribution, and particularly those years with Dwight Yorke, are so happily remembered by United fans," Andy added.
"To make a contribution for a club as big as United then is still talked about is fantastic. Nobody can take that away from me.
"But I had my downs as well. When I first arrived it wasn't easy but I got my head down, worked hard and that's what I always did when things weren't going too well.
"I have sympathy with Dimitar Berbatov as he's been questioned a lot, as I was at times.
"I think people should accept him for what he is and enjoy what he brings. People should embrace him and enjoy the type of footballer he is."
The celebrated combination of Cole and Yorke will team up again on Saturday for the Big Red Family Day Out at Old Trafford that includes a concert from Tinchy Stryder and The Saturdays before the legends v celebrities match.
"I'm looking forward to it. Dwight and I hit it off virtually straight away when he joined the club, let's hope the chemistry is still there!" said Andy.
"It's a great cause and I think people will have a great day out."
Tickets are priced from £15 for adults, £5 for children at www.sportrelief.com, www.manutd.com or 0161 868 8000.FORMER United No9 Andy Cole believes there's a dearth of out-and-out goalscorers wearing his old jersey - but he hopes the Reds will renew their efforts to land Karim Benzema this summer.
Cole says Real Madrid's French striker is the one potential target who would come closest to fitting the identi-kit picture of a traditional centre forward.
This weekend Cole will revisit his famous attacking partnership with Dwight Yorke at United's Big Red Family Day out for Sport Relief on Saturday at Old Trafford.
For three seasons the duo, backed up by the Ole Solskjaer-Teddy Sheringham ticket, were the scourge of England and Europe.
Sir Alex Ferguson pioneered the four-strong senior strike force and it was the most successful quartet of that era. Arguably, it still is the best ever.
Now Cole believes another hitman to bolster the Reds attacking ranks is a must.
Benzema was top of Fergie's shopping list 12 months ago but the French international chose the Bernabeu and made a £30m switch from Lyon.
The 22-year-old hasn't established himself as a regular in Spain, though, and a second effort by United to land him could succeed this time. . . and delight Cole.
"I think Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen's injuries have proved that United do need another body in their strike force," Cole said.
"It wouldn't surprise me at all if the manager brings somebody in to add to the players he has. But the question is who do you buy?
"I was speaking to Sir Alex Ferguson last summer at his charity golf day and we were talking about the fact there are so few No9s around these days.
"There are a lot of No10s, the playmakers who make things happen, about. But traditional goalscoring strikers are few and far between.
"Everyone has got the same dilemma. There are hardly any of them about. I look around the world, there's Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto'o in that No9 style, and then I'm struggling to name anyone else.
"Torres at Liverpool is a real old-fashioned English centre-forward. He's a throwback but you don't get many of them in England these days let alone from Europe. He is definitely a bit of a one-off.
"Karim Benzema is not identical to Torres but I think he is the nearest you might get to him. I think he is fantastic. He has great ability.
"I know Sir Alex wanted him last summer and if he can go back and try again and the lad decided he'd have more chance at Old Trafford then I think that would be really interesting. It's what United need."
Even if the Reds could persuade Benzema to give up Real and La Liga he wouldn't advocate ditching United's current wearer of the No9 shirt Dimitar Berbatov.
While Cole is chuffed that he is remembered fondly as a great Old Trafford goalscorer he admits his early years after signing for a then record £7m from Newcastle in January 1995 wasn't all plain sailing.
"I am really proud that my contribution, and particularly those years with Dwight Yorke, are so happily remembered by United fans," Andy added.
"To make a contribution for a club as big as United then is still talked about is fantastic. Nobody can take that away from me.
"But I had my downs as well. When I first arrived it wasn't easy but I got my head down, worked hard and that's what I always did when things weren't going too well.
"I have sympathy with Dimitar Berbatov because he's been questioned a lot, as I was at times.
"I think people should accept him for what he is and enjoy what he brings to the party. People should embrace him and enjoy the type of footballer he is."
The celebrated combination of Cole and Yorke will team up again on Saturday for the Big Red Family Day Out at Old Trafford that includes a concert from the likes of Tinchy Stryder, The Saturdays and the Hoosiers before the legends versus celebrities match.
"I'm looking forward to it. Dwight and I hit it off virtually straight away when he joined the club, let's hope the chemistry is still there!" said Andy.
"It's for a great cause and I think people will have a great day out."
Tickets are priced from £15 for adults, £5 for children at www.sportrelief.com, www.manutd.com or 0161 868 8000. Tweet
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I think Cole would know a good centre forward when he sees one. Lets hope we get him for £20m. If the report is true about Evra (who I want to see stay of course!) then we should ask for Benzema, Ronaldo on loan for 3 years, and at least £30m for the best left back in the world.
Chaps,the rumour in Spain is that Real Madrid will allow Raul to leave for free this summer should he wish to find another challenge. He still has alot of quality. How about getting rid of M. Owen and brining him in?
At least if we went for him he should be cheaper than what was orginally quoted,but knowing our negotiation team we will probab;y pay more than madrid did.
"I think Cole would know a good centre forward when he sees one. Lets hope we get him for £20m. If the report is true about Evra (who I want to see stay of course!) then we should ask for Benzema, Ronaldo on loan for 3 years, and at least £30m for the best left back in the world.
Tyler Durden,
28/04/2010 at 09:59"
And Kaka as a sweetener to seal the deal.
He forgot to mention his old mate Ruud who's still banging them in.
With Macheda, Diouf, the Mexican, Owen and Welbeck on the books, what's the point of buying Benzema? Surely some midfielders who can supply our strikers with chances would be preferable.
if any other big club in the world had bought benzema i would be laughing about getting him after 1 year. but we are talking about the madrid circus and their trampoline act so you cannot rule it out. given UEFA will never do anything to stop their endless tapping up I would just fight fire with fire. every time they run a 'story' run one back about one of their player.
I really think a top quality central midfielder is desperately needed. We cant keep on relying on Fletcher and the aging legs of Scholes.
there is no point in signing benzema unles we sort out our central midfield.i would much rather spend £20million on a central midfielder then hopefully fergie would have the confidence to go 4-4-2,then i say give berba and rooney a chance at 4-4-2 for majority of the season,if berbatov and rooney still not working together then spend big on a striker,theres absolutely no point in having all these strikers at the club when we only play one up front and fergie only trusts one man to do this job.on another point if wellbeck and macheda are as good as fergies says then why buy more and more strikers which is just going to harm their development.
Not too keen on Karim ! i have to say i would prefer Ivica Olic
Frank you said:
"With Macheda, Diouf, the Mexican, Owen and Welbeck on the books, what's the point of buying Benzema?"
Macheda - Unproven, Diouf - will he make the grade? - Doubtful, Mexican - another untried youngster, Owen - Past it! and Welbeck - not even good enough at Preston. Now ask yourself the question again - Whats the point of buying Benzema?
Benzema looked a world beater at Lyon but has fallen out of favour at Madrid which is mostly due to outstanding form of Ronaldo and Higuian. If he is world class (which i am still not convinced about) and we can get him for €20m then i think its worth a shot.
With Macheda, Diouf, the Mexican, Owen and Welbeck on the books, what's the point of buying Benzema? Surely some midfielders who can supply our strikers with chances would be preferable.
Frank Old Trafford,
28/04/2010 at 10:34
Of your list only Macheda shows any promise, the rest you can forget. Have to agree with you about midfielders, we need at least two, a 'holding' player and a creative one.
Berba and Rooney were starting to gel WHEN they get the opportunity!
krutt, then what's the point in having all those striker? To make the tea? If we sold 4 or 5 then it would make sense talking about buying Benzema.
Krutt you are aware that not only was Welbeck injured, a repeat loan has been requested by the manager?
I'm hoping that there are some comings and goings this summer regardless if we win a record 4th Premiership in a row or not. The team have all did fantastically well to be still in the hunt considering the unprecedented problems we've had this season and the terrible decisions we've had go against us. The football hasn't had the excitement we're all used to but I'm sure with the right transfers we'll have some flair back for next season.
I'm not going to go into a silly debate about what money we do or don't have, I'm simply going to trust SAF when he says he's got the Ronaldo money in the warchest. I thought I'd post my feelings on what United need to keep us at the very top for the next 5 years at least. Ok so here goes my attempt at being SAF for the day! lol
Goalkeepers - Foster and Kusczcak can't be at United next season. Both have failed to live up to their reputations and I doubt either will be able to cut it so I'd sell them on for £3m-£4m each and go all out for a proper World Class replacement like Akinfeev for £10m who I feel is the right choice and age.
Defenders - This area is fine although I feel it's time Neville stepped aside completely for Rafael to be our 1st choice rightback alongside Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra. With Brown, Evans, Smalling and O'Shea as more than able back-up.
Midfielders - This is our main problem area and I feel we need to bring in a proper world class central midfielder as well as offloading some players who don't fit into our style. Carrick should be moved on for £10m-£12m and replaced with Fabregas for £50m. Unlikely I know but they are the type of player who would bring our midfield back to the top. Scholes and Giggs wouldn't start games next season while Anderson and Hargreaves having to improve vastly next season. Gibson, Obertan, Cleverly, Possebon and Pogba I expect to be pushing for the 1st team squad too.
Forwards - Rooney needs a Saha type striker beside him to bring out the best of him as Berbatov's style just doesn't suit our crown jewel. I can see Berbatov moving to the italian league for £15m-£20m as that style of football would suit him. Benzema is a good bet to fill the Saha role for us and I think Real would be happy to do a deal for around £25m-£30m. I expect Owen to step aside for Macheda, Diouf and Hernandez to fight it out for the 4 spot with the loser and Welbeck getting loaned out to mid-table Premiership teams.
Ok so all in all I'd have Foster, Kuszczak, Carrick, and Berbatov being sold this summer for a total of £35m-£40m and Akinfeev, Fabregas and Benzema brought in for £85m-£90m. I'd revert back to playing 4-4-2 at OT with my strongest starting XI of Akinfeev, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Fletcher, Fabregas, Nani, Rooney and Benzema. I'd have Van Der Sar, Evans, O'Shea, Hargreaves, Scholes, Giggs and Macheda on the bench. There you have it folks, I've brought some swagger back to Old Trafford, easy eh! lol
Support the Team and Live the Dream.....
Id add Robyn Van Persie to that list.Benzema is a strange one if he leaves Real its because he is not first choice and why will he come to United when there is no reason he will be any further up the pecking order.
As Simon says the Italian league may suit Berbatov better and if he went someone like Milan I think he would be a massive success...and this is the problem. The guy oozes class and it is up to the coaches to get the best out of him. He needs a run of games next to Rooney in my opinion, but Berbatov's lack of mobility and a fairly pedestrian central midfield means that we cannot accomodate him at times.
This lack of pace can be addressed by Benzema, but on recent evidence, he looks unfit and worryingly overweight for a player in mid-season. It isn't hindsight saying this but Torres was the one to go for, and I said so for the years following Euro 2004. He had the pace and movement but wasn't the most clinical finisher, yet even so was well worth the risk. Now, he has developed the only part of his game that was a bit of a weakness - his finishing - which is now as good as anybody in the world and he is probably the guy you would most want in a one-on-one situation now.
I still think Berbatov should be retained - it's still a fact that he can do what about 90% of footballers can't do in terms of control and vision, and he is in the tradition of the Le Tissiers, Zolas and Bergkamps. However, if we aren't going to accomodate him properly or even play him with our best forward player, then it's going to be difficult for him to stay - and that Munich match pretty much seemed to say as much...Fergie started a half-fit player over him and even used Nani up front rather than bring him on earlier.
I agree with the majority of comments on here regarding signing a quality midfielder over yet another striker. Even if Berbatov goes I don't think there is room in the squad. I can see Welbeck going, but Macheda has to stay and be given a chance. The new mexican reportedly cost around £10mil so he must be inthe reckoning and a fit Owen will always be decent back up. I can't understand the logic in buying Diouf, quick he might be but from what I've seen he just doesn't have the quality.
One or even two midfielders who can impose themselves on a game and contribute with goals and assists are a must. We can't rely on Scholes, Anderson has done nothing, Carrick disappears too often and I have completely forgotten what Hargreaves is like. Unfortunately for SAF, there just aren't that many around but rather than sniff around Real rejects I'd rather he concentrated on that.
As for the comment below about signing Fabregas... I wonder what planet some people live on.
Gilly - Olic?? You truly are insane in the membrane
Not too keen on Karim ! i have to say i would prefer Ivica Olic
Gilly, Belgium
28/04/2010 at 11:35
Please tell me thats a joke? Olic is a Bolton player at best. He has got lucky in the last few champ league games, out muscled Carrick and had some joy against one of the worst semi finalists I have ever seen.
With Macheda, Diouf, the Mexican, Owen and Welbeck on the books, what's the point of buying Benzema? Surely some midfielders who can supply our strikers with chances would be preferable. Frank Old Trafford, 28/04/2010 at 10:34
Of your list only Macheda shows any promise, the rest you can forget. Have to agree with you about midfielders, we need at least two, a 'holding' player and a creative one.
I am glad we have written off the Mexican already before he kicks a ball....good to see our budding fans are supporting the team and players alike. Its funny how he is ranked at this point by FIFA, the tenth most dangerous player at the up and comming world cup.
I am glad we have written off Diouff, bearing in mind he has played a full season in Norway. Again, great support.
Some encouraging words about Macheda...I am shocked.
Is it just me or does this article reapeat itself like a million times?? it looks like a bad work of copy and paste :-o .
Anyhow on topic, me say no to Benzema and will always say NO!!! he went to madrid cos he was in favour of the circus kind of life more opposed to conventional more contolled way of life in football...his choice so he deals with it. and we aint no ones second choice by any streach of imagination...
if you would ask me i dont think we will sign any more strikers in the off season and berbatov is probably going to stay...we will rather concentrate on the midfield area, finding that playmaker that we've being lacking..look no further than Luka Modric if we can get him that is..Probably will depend on whether Spurs finish 4th and qualify for the CL...which is a dilemma cos i dont want those at the wastelands to qualify either...if i had to choose, i'd say spurs finish 4th though..!
on a dimmer note, has anyone seen the pictures of our supposed new kit for next season??? have a look..we thought this years was bad..lol
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1269442/Is-Manchester-Uniteds-new-kit.html
Hmmmm
We pride ourselves as being on the same level as Real Madrid.
Benzema can't get in their team. Why would he do any better here?
I know we spend a lot on reserves like Smalling, Anderson, Tosic etc but £25/30m for another one seems excessive to say the least. For that money we should be getting a proven world star good enough to be a regular.
We should be paying much less for just potential.
i really cant see this happenning as SAF doesnt normally go after players that have previously snubbed him...and can u even imagine what would happen if we sat at the negotiation table with that mafia, they would have fees for evra vidic and rooney lined up.
believe it or not we dont need benzema, we need a midfielder maestro. our most promising young talent at the club is undoubtedly kiko macheda so why would we want to stifle his progress even further by adding a 22 year old (proven international)into our line up. Central midfield is the key area to strengthen and especially players with that creative edge and goalscoring instinct that is sorely lacking in the current set up. Nani and Valencia have stepped up and cleverley, i think, has earned the right to a chance to prove himself at old trafford next season. like it or not we have to go back to our feeder club spurs and pay over the odds for Modric. Sometimes i think it would be easier to go and steal Spurs's chief scout as we always seem to be going after their players in recent years. I think Fergie planted the seed already by naming Modric in the company of other diminutive greats like Scholes, Zola & juninho in his programmes notes on saturday. There are others out there who are unproven in the premier league (defour, hamsik, gourcuff) which would represent a gamble, at least with modric we know he can cut it in the EPL. Milner is another that springs to mind but not sure about his qualities on the European stage. If the only player i see coming in to old trafford this off season is Luka i would be content...plus a fully fit Hargo.
Gilly - Olic?? You truly are insane in the membrane
Elb Owdeep, Dooooooooorsat
28/04/2010 at 13:01
I see that you have returned with your usual attacks at posters , without any trace of Input about ..The team.. The league... or even the game... Your rants used to be aimed mostly at those supporters that lived outside of Manchester, It looks like you have moved digs yourself.. Have you ever considered anger management??