Exclusive – Paul Lambert says ‘unplayable’ Christian Benteke has the mentality to be Man United star

Christian Benteke has the talent and mentality to a be a big success for Manchester United, former Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has told talkSPORT.

Louis van Gaal is understood to have targeted the Belgian as his next major signing, with the Red Devils reportedly set to blow Liverpool out of the race for his signature by meeting the £32.5million release clause in his Villa contract.

United fans appear unsure about whether Benteke is good enough to replace the outgoing Robin van Persie but Lambert, who brought the powerful hitman to England, is adamant that the 24-year-old can make the step up to a title-chasing team.

Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, he said: “I played with some great number nines and Christian on his day is unplayable.

“He could handle it [the move to United] He has got the mentality to handle it.

"He is a brilliant footballer with his strength and his technique. He would have no problem whatsoever.”