Reports in Italy suggest that David Moyes will make signing Benatia his top priority at the end of the season.
The
26-year-old Moroccan international only joined Roma from Udinese in an
£11m deal last summer, when he was also linked with United, Arsenal and
Tottenham.
United have been linked with a host
of defenders after Vidic revealed he planned to leave the Red Devils at
the end of the season.
But it seems that United
have returned to a player that they have been monitoring for some time
in their bid to replace the formidable Serbian.
However, Moyes
may have a challenge convincing Benatia to leave Serie A where he has
made a name for himself after being released by Marseille earlier in his
career.
Benatia surprised many last season by
opting to move to Roma despite the interest of a number of big foreign
clubs, but has often stressed his love of life in Italy.
Before
making the move last summer he said: "I am loving my time in Italy. The
league is a very good one and to be honest an important Italian team
will always be my first choice unless a huge English, Spanish or German
club come for me.
"The Italian league is a top
championship with top clubs who are very attractive as well, so if I
have an offer from a big club here I will listen to that club."
But
it now seems that Moyes will redouble his efforts in the summer to
convince Benatia that his future does in fact lie away from Serie A with
United.
Daily Express