Manchester United’s hierarchy have reportedly given up on their ambition of committing Marouane Fellaini to a new long-term contract. The Belgium midfielder has just four months left on his existing deal, and he is now expected to leave on a free transfer in the summer.
The £80,000-a-week star has had a mixed relationship with the club’s supporters over the course of his stay, but the 2017/18 season appeared to have brought a fresh dimension to his game. The midfielder put in an impressive showing against Real Madrid in the European Super Cup defeat back in August, and he managed to continue his fine form into the first two months of the season as he contributed four goals.
Since then, however, he has been in-and-out of the first-team with a recurring knee problem, and it appears that the delay in contract negotiations have hampered United’s chances of prolonging his stay. According to The Mirror, talks between the midfielder and club have reached a standstill following months of discussions, and the Belgian looks on course to leave on a Bosman, with Galatasaray deemed to be leading the race for his services.
Should this be the case, United boss Jose Mourinho is unlikely to be pleased with the club’s hierachy as he had gone publicly on multiple occasions to praise Fellaini, whom he had urged to sign a new contract. Despite having the likes of Paul Pogba, and Nemanja Matic in the squad, the departure of Fellaini may influence the need for a new summer recruit , who can provide a similar physical presence off the bench. The former Evertonian is presently recuperating from a minor knee injury, which will keep him sidelined until April.
Be the first to comment