Man Utd reach final decision on January transfer move for striker Karim Benzema

Manchester United have ruled out a move for Karim Benzema to help solve their goalscoring crisis.

United have been linked with the former Real Madrid striker, 36, with Erik ten Hag's side struggling to find the net. But United have not approached Benzema's representatives about a move to Old Trafford, due to his age and wages estimated at £86million-a-season.

Benzema only joined Saudi Pro-League side Al-Ittihad six months ago, after bringing to an end his glittering 14-year spell at Real. But the former France striker has fallen out with manager Marcelo Gallardo, after he failed to report for the team's pre-season training camp.

The squad travelled to Dubai without Benzema, with Gallardo warning the five-time Champions League winner he was not welcome to join up with the squad. Benzema, who scored 12 goals in 20 appearances for Al-Ittihad, is now facing an uncertain future, but is understood to be keen on returning to Europe.

United want to sign a striker on loan this month, with Ten Hag's side among the lowest scoring teams in the Premier League this season, with 24 goals from 21 games. Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund have struggled to score regularly, while Anthony Martial has failed to find form or fitness and is currently sidelined.

United are exploring the loan market this month, with a view to bringing someone in on a short-term deal, with Financial Fair Play rules restricting them to temporary deals. "You always have to consider such choices," Ten Hag admitted earlier this month.

"They are, again, two very good loans; (Marcel) Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst really contributed to our success last year.‌ When such opportunities come up, we have to take them.

"At the same time, you have to analyse what we have on board, what