Cristiano Ronaldo Switch Adds to Karim Benzema Manchester United Transfer Rumour

New Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez will give Cristiano Ronaldo "greater freedom" in a central striker's role next season, a tactical switch that raises serious questions over the future of Karim Benzema, reported by P.P. San Martin of AS.

Benitez will deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation according to the aforementioned report, a similar setup to what he used at Napoli. However, the need for one striker means Benzema is "expected to be used in the rotation policy that Benitez intends to employ next season," per P.P. San Martin. Martin also suggests even when a 4-4-2 is utilised, Gareth Bale will be pushed up top instead of the Frenchman.

The formation switch will allow Ronaldo to use "less energy" and will stop forcing him to cut in from the wing. He is powerful and quick enough to dominate through the centre, especially with three creative midfielders working behind him.

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One of Benitez's main tasks should be restoring balance to Los Blancos' setup after Carlo Ancelotti shoehorned too many attacking players in. The Italian's midfield three of Isco, James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos didn't offer the defensive shield needed against elite sides, highlighted by Madrid's centre being dominated during the recent aggregate loss to Juventus in the Champions League semi-final.

Benzema is the most expendable of the so-called "BBC" trio. Ronaldo remains an important figure for the club, and despite reports of Bale's potential exit to Manchester United, club President Florentino Perez is a huge supporter of the Welshman, per John Cross of the Mirror.

Prior to Benitez's unveiling as the new Los Blancos boss, Sky Sports' Terry Gibson suggested pushing Ronaldo through the middle is the way to go, as told to Revista de La Liga:

"For the next manager, Ronaldo should be a centre forward and a team should be built around him," he said. "He'd be free of any defensive responsibility. He plays as a centre-forward now but is addressed as a left sided attacker. That's an issue for the new a manager."

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The 2015 Golden Shoe winner notched 48 La Liga goals from his usual wide position in the recently concluded campaign, with Benzema grabbing 15. Despite being a quality hold-up player, someone who brings others into the match, the Frenchman continues to be linked with a move away from the Bernabeu.

Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward recently met with Benzema's agent, according to Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News. Arsenal and Liverpool also continue to be linked with the former Lyon striker, reported by Bruce Archer of the Express.

Football writer Rafael Hernandez passed comment:

B/R UK's Jonathan Johnson recently discussed whether United or Arsenal have a greater chance of landing Benzema's signature:

Benitez's need to tighten things up is destined to see at least one major player sacrificed. Benzema isn't the type of player who will be willing to wait on the bench, particularly as he would likely become a leading figure elsewhere.

Ronaldo's rumoured transition to the striker's role is exciting for Madrid and could help him maintain a scoring impact for longer. However, Benitez needs to quickly make a positive impression with results at the club where CR7's productivity remains pivotal to success.