HARRISON, N.J. — Christian Benteke is no savior. There is, after all, nothing to save of this D.C. United season, which will end in 5½ weeks without an MLS playoff berth for the third consecutive fall.
But the Belgian striker, fresh off 10 years in the Premier League, has joined D.C. United’s renovation project, which will carry into a busy winter of roster changes.
After waiting weeks for a work visa — then flying directly to New York from London on Tuesday to join his new club — Benteke made his United debut Wednesday by entering in the 73rd minute of a surprise 2-1 victory over reigning champion New York City FC at Red Bull Arena.