Erik ten Hag will be hoping to secure a few new Manchester United signings during the January transfer window in order to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo.

The mercurial Portuguese forward left the club in acrimonious circumstances last month following a controversial interview with Piers Morgan, and although the veteran had scored just three goals across all competitions in 2022/23, the United boss urgently requires some reinforcements in the attacking department.

According to reports in Spain (via Football 365), the Old Trafford giants have made an offer to sign Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema in January, with the Frenchman having just six months left on his current deal at the Champions League holders.

Despite the striker turning 35 on Monday, he is one of the finest players on the continent, evidenced by winning the Ballon d’Or award this year for his performances.

Last season was the most prolific of his career, and despite bursting onto the scene with Lyon way back in 2005, Benzema is ageing like a fine wine.

The 34-year-old scored 44 goals last term, including 15 in the Champions League as he helped Real Madrid to glory following some excellent performances in the knockout stages, and Ten Hag would surely love someone of that quality leading the line for United during the second half of the season.

The Frenchman – who was dubbed a “genius” by broadcaster Nathan Murray - isn’t just a goalscorer. Despite his ridiculous numbers from last season, he can also create plenty of chances for his team-mates.

During his club career, the £395k-per-week forward has registered 187 assists, mainly during his time spent in the shadow of Ronaldo at Real Madrid, but this all-round ability could be crucial in Ten Hag’s new-look United side.

There are obviously younger players available on the market who could become part of the long-term future at the Red Devils, but none hold the extraordinary pedigree of Benzema, who shouldn’t have trouble adapting to Premier League football if he makes the move to England.

It sounds like an ambitious move by Ten Hag, but if he somehow manages to pull it off, he might just have an ideal Ronaldo heir who could spur United on to finish in the top four by the end of the season.