I'm a huge fan of Benzema and reckon his potential is ridiculous if he gets himself the right team and gets his attitude right. And we'd probably be perfect except for one huge problem - Rooney seems to have established himself as now being a line-leading striker rather than a deeper lying one. I doubt Fergie will change that now, meaning we don't have room for another top striker that plays the same role. If we were to sign a big name striker it'd be one that plays from a deeper position, and while Benzema can play that role he's better up front. It would probably work when we play 442, but one would end up either on the left wing or on the bench when it came to the big games and I can't see either of them being happy with that.
Ozil is somebody who is interesting to me. He's been fantastic in the WC for Germany, only has one year left on his contract at Werder Bremen, said last season that we made contact with him in 2008, and a couple of days ago basically said he wants to join one of the big two in England (us or Chelsea) or Spain (Barca or Real). Barca surely won't have room for him (especially since they're trying to get Fabregas) and if Mourinho has as much control over Real's transfers as I believe he will be more focused on fixing the defence, so it could be down to us or Chelsea if he does end up moving after the WC. Would give us that attacking midfielder to make our 4231/433 work properly that Anderson is looking increasingly unlikely to be, while also being able to play off the left wing when we play 442. Only big question is how consistent he would be in the week-in week-out hustle of the premier league.
As for Joe Cole, I'm not a big fan. A lot of pure talent, but very inconsistent and a bit injury-prone lately. Put it this way - I reckon Chelsea have done a good bit of business in getting rid of Cole and getting Benayoun. Cole at his best is obviously better, but just how often is he at his best? If it was a choice of him or nothing I'd happily take him, but I'd hope we'd be aiming a bit higher if we're looking at that type of player. Ozil for instance.
If Ferguson isn't confident in Hargreaves making a comeback, we need to get someone else to act as cover for Fletcher. As it is we are utterly screwed against top teams if he's injured/suspended/poor form, so getting cover for him is probably the most important thing we can do. Doesn't have to be a top player, just somebody on the level of a Park for that position would be perfect.
