Aston Villa supporters on Twitter have called for the return of Christian Benteke after they were thrashed 6-1 by Manchester City on Sunday.
Dean Smith, who has an injury-hit squad, had to play without a striker and a false number nine during their defeat to the Premier League champions.

(Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Following Wesley’s season-ending injury against Burnley on New Year’s Day, it has forced the Midlands outfit to search for a new forward in the market as they don’t currently have a bonafide striker at their disposal.
The Telegraph previously claimed that Villa are interested in re-signing their former striker, Benteke, who is currently at Crystal Palace.
Despite Benteke’s alarming drop in form during these past few seasons, Villa fans are keen for him to make a return as the club are suffering without a target man up top.

(Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Benteke made a name for himself during his days at Villa Park, but ever since his departure in 2015, he has struggled to find the back of the net on a regular basis, both at Liverpool and currently Selhurst Park.
If Villa were to push for the 29-year-old’s signature then it would be a huge risk because his record in England’s top-flight, other than at Villa, has been pretty woeful.
But that seemingly hasn’t put off some Villa supporters who want him to sign, especially after they witnessed their team struggle without a focal point during their thrashing of the Premier League champions over the weekend.
Villa do need a striker but it would be a dangerous road for the club do go down if they manage to get the Beglian to put pen-to-paper.
Here is a selection of Villa fans on Twitter wanting Benteke’s return:
Bring Benteke home, Giroud and Batsman won't join, Piatek is a pipe dream, don't know a single fan who wants Rodriguez. Anyways, just an opinion #avfc
— S P X R O (@spxro) January 13, 2020
Get Benteke in ffs!!! #AVFC https://t.co/3sqXBc7TC6
— Jack Hurley (@Jack_Hurley_R) January 13, 2020
@AVFCOfficial sign Benteke please and thank you
— Luke Staton (@LukeStaton_AvFc) January 13, 2020
I’d be up for Benteke if he’s fit at the moment. He excelled under managers that based the team around his strengths. The team currently plays to those strengths… strange given Smith is considered a footballing coach rather than the hoof football that Benteke thrived on. #avfc
— Rob Jones (@UpTheAstonVilla) January 13, 2020
Annouce Christian benteke and islam slimani #AVFC
— sniperavfc 🇵🇰 (@firebundem) January 13, 2020
I’d take Benteke simply for the fact he’s a striker who isn’t 18. I’d put a lamppost up there at the moment of it had a bit of experience. #AVFC
— Emmett🇮🇪🇿🇼 (@EmmettAVFC) January 13, 2020
Christian Benteke has been offered to Villa, hopefully we can get him in time for our game against Watford, we need a striker in this team bad! #AVFC
— Aaron Bourne (@BourneyAVFC) January 13, 2020
Players I think we should sign right now
Benteke
Slimani (loan)
Vida
Benrahma #avfc— Jack Tallack 🦁 (@geordiecm8) January 13, 2020
Benteke back now is an absolute no brainier. Aside from his footballing ability him signing would give the club a massive lift which is exactly what we need right now #avfc
— Jack Knowles (@_Knowlesey) January 13, 2020
It’s not football romanticism, we need Benteke.
In the January window it’s hard to find someone who has the same experience or known quality as the big man, plus we’re desperate.
His past at this club is just a bonus. BRING THE BIG MAN HOME #AVFC #BentekeBack pic.twitter.com/bkzFHnZTA1
— AVFCchats 🦁 (@AVFCchats) January 13, 2020