By Dave Marshall
Manchester United are ready to extend the contract of Marouane Fellaini for a further two years, all but ending speculation about his future.
The 30-year-old Belgian midfielder’s contract runs out at the end of this month and was initially thought to be closer to the exit door at Old Trafford. However, in a remarkable turnaround, he is set to stay at the club, ending talk of him moving to another club as a free agent.
The former Everton man has spoken of his desire to get at least a 2-year extension, though the club, with its over 30 policy, were only keen to offer him a year. It would seem that Fellaini has won the battle, and will now continue his Old Trafford career.
Kristof Terreur of Hat Laaste Nieuws claims he will sign a new deal until 2020. The auxiliary target man, who divides opinion here, is a personal favourite of Jose Mourinho, who recognizes the abilities he brings.
The main thing is that when he’s instructed to do something – track a runner, stay in the box or stay disciplined – he does it without asking any questions. It is perhaps that mentality that appeals most to Mourinho, even if other areas of his game are arguably well short of the required standards.
Fellaini was the first signing of the ill-fated David Moyes era, but has become important for Jose, who uses his aerial strength and raw power when the team needs an alternative approach.
Here’s what Man United fans have been saying about this deal:
Fellaini is like Mikel at Chelsea. Most the the fans hate or don't like him buh managers keeps on extending his contract and playing him!! there's nothing you guys can do about it!! #mufc
— prince (@LavezziGH) June 27, 2018
Yes Fellaini is not what I want to see but we have signed Fred who is an outstanding Brazilian international, and Dalot, with immense potential to be the best in the world for his position. The window isn’t even open yet and people pressing panic button already. Chill out#MUFC
— Mancunian Candidate (@Po6baholic) June 27, 2018
Should never boo a footballer that plays for your club… But the reception Fellaini will receive will be the most toxic thing to ever be seen at a football ground #mufc
— FOOTBALLS COMING HOME – James (@Jame5__7) June 27, 2018
Still can't believe we won't sign another midfielder because of fellaini..still in utter shock ,imagine if Fred gets injured #mufc
— Blaze (@balisebitz_2) June 27, 2018
Think I'm the only one that doesn't mind Fellaini staying. Ok he's not world class but he's useful as a plan B. Also he's an absolute bastard on the pitch. The last of a dying breed
— Jugesh Mehta (@JugeshMUFC) June 27, 2018
Fellaini: imo he will only be used as a squad player, he's not a starter, he's a drastic tactic last minute lump it up merchant, an added time sub, remember when Anderson was getting slagged off? Now look what we're feeding, he make Anderson look like Maradonna #MUFC
— MonkeyBoy (@Poshmanc2) June 27, 2018
Literally no other club has signed players bar Arsenal, and they were all on FREE transfer. Yet, you got United fans acting like signing 2 and resigning Fellaini to be 5th choice CM is all we will do. I’m not sure how they make it through life. #mufc
— kenneth (@Kenbele0722) June 27, 2018
This Fellaini meltdown is mad. The reason we've kept him is to spend more on filling starting roles in defence and attack rather than wasting our budget on a backup midfielder and letting him leave for free. #MUFC
— SiD (@thesidwitter) June 27, 2018
The arrival of Fred means that Fellaini will be pushed further the pecking order at the club. It was initially reported that the exit of Fellaini will lead Jose Mourinho to the transfer market for another midfielder, though with the imminent stay of Fellaini, it would seem that United will not make advances to get a new player in the middle of the park.
Fellaini is a physically imposing player that can play a variety of positions in the middle. He joined United in the summer of 2013, and has scored 20 times in 156 matches; in his 157th, he might get a mixed reception.
