Bharath Rammr
Manchester United Transfer News
Manchester United recently activated the one-year extension option in Marouane Fellaini’s contract. The decision was vindicated by many Manchester United fans, who have never really grown to like the Belgian midfielder. Ever since his £ 27 million transfer from Everton at the start of David Moyes’ reign, Fellaini has constantly been questioned by the United supporters. Now, Jose Mourinho has reportedly requested Manchester United to consider the possibility of handing a new contract to Fellaini.
The player’s current contract runs out in the summer of 2018. He is certainly seen as an important player by Jose Mourinho. His physical presence gives the Portuguese manager a Plan B when United are chasing games. This was clearly evident in the match against Everton, as United were looking to get back for much of the game. Fellaini was played almost as a second striker alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Even though the Belgian missed some clear-cut opportunities, the decision to field the player was justified when United secured the equaliser late in the game.
It appears that Mourinho is keen on retaining the Belgian for a few more years. Finding a replacement for the midfielder would turn out to be a costly affair, as United have learnt in recent transfer windows. Despite spending a huge sum of money over the last few years, the club has been unable to move away from the sixth spot. Back-to-back draws have once again dropped with the club back into the sixth place of the Premier League, although they are only four points behind Manchester City, who occupy the final Champions League qualification spot.
After losing Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger over the last couple of months, United’s midfield looks depleted. The club are expected to be in the market for a new defensive midfielder, especially considering that Michael Carrick is also coming towards the end of his career. Carrick’s future is yet to be sorted, as his contract runs out in the summer. After plenty of talk about a contract extension at a few weeks ago, the transfer talks have died down. Carrick has indicated that he would even retire from the game if he does not get a new deal.
Fellaini was incredibly subjected to transfer interest from the Chinese Super League in January. Yet, he chose the possibility to stay at Old Trafford and fight for major honours. Even though United are struggling in the domestic competition, they have managed to reach the latter stages of the Europa League. United already have won the League Cup by beating Southampton.
