Sidney Sladen
Manchester United could face a possible midfield crisis after Belgian Football Association confirmed on Sunday that Marouane Fellaini has suffered a toe injury on international duty with the national team. According to ManchesterEveningNews, the 29-year-old would sit out Belgium’s friendly with Russia on Tuesday due to a ‘toe complaint’.
Fellaini is not the first United player to suffer an injury blow as England International Chris Smalling injured Phil Jones during their training session with the English National team.
However, Fellaini’s injury has been described as minor, and hence Jose Mourinho would be hoping that the tall midfielder returns to the squad for their weekend clash with West Bromwich Albion. Just in case Fellaini fails to recover for the game on April 1, it would mean an injury crisis for Manchester United.
Paul Pogba suffered a hamstring injury during the Europa League win over FC Rostov and Ander Herrera will serve the second match of his two-game suspension he received earlier. This leaves Jose Mourinho with Michael Carrick being available as the only senior midfielder in the squad.
The solution could be available in the form of a certain Wayne Rooney, who is known for his versatility. He has played as a No.10 before and would be happy to serve the team in any position if it becomes a necessity.
Another alternative could be Daley Blind playing in central midfield. He spent the first six months of his Manchester United career in midfield before he switched to a defensive role.
Fellaini played a pivotal role during United’s hectic final week before the international break. He emerged successful after Herrera’s 35th-minute red card against Chelsea. He also came on for Pogba, after the Frenchman was withdrawn against Rostov. Fellaini was also dependable as a starter in the win at Middlesbrough.
Fellaini’s absence would certainly mean either of Blind or Rooney getting more time on the pitch. As has been the case with Wayne Rooney, the Manchester United captain has found game time hard to come by. This would be the right opportunity for the English legend to work his way back into the team and earn Jose Mourinho’s trust.
With the left-back position looking weak for Man United, it is hard to see Jose playing Blind in central midfield. However, if he does believe that it would be safe to play Blind ahead of Rooney in midfield, then it will only spark more speculation regarding the United captain’s future at the club.
It will be interesting to see how Jose Mourinho picks his team if Fellaini fails to recover before April 1.
