Bharath Rammr
Marouane Fellaini started out as the first choice central midfielder alongside Paul Pogba. Jose Mourinho’s decision was largely based upon the immense physical strength that these two players provided together. He has always preferred a physical option in the centre of the midfield; his title success in the 2014-15 season with Chelsea was largely based on the presence of Nemanja Matic in this position. The pairing of Fellaini and Pogba gave United a dream start after they managed to win the opening four matches in all competitions.
Since the Manchester derby back in September, things have gone downhill for the Red Devils and Fellaini. As Mourinho attempted to revive the club’s form, one of the players who benefited the most was Ander Herrera. The Spaniard was initially overlooked by the Portuguese, but he is now one of the regular first-team players at the club. Fellaini has increasingly been seen only on the bench. His last two appearances – against Everton and West Ham – have yielded a grand total of 10 minutes of game time.
Fellaini did not make a case for the starting line-up after conceding the penalty that led to the equaliser in the draw with Everton. In an incredible fall from grace, the midfielder is now being linked with a move away from Old Trafford. After joining for £27 million from Everton, the signing made by David Moyes never really took off at Old Trafford. He is now linked with a move to West Ham.
And the Daily Mail has reported that United are ready to listen to offers for the 29-year-old even as early as in January. The club will be aware that a huge loss has to be accepted in order to facilitate the move. Fellaini has a contract with the club until the summer of 2018. His age coupled with his inability to secure a first team spot mean that he is likely to command a value of just around £15 million if the offer from West Ham is a generous one.
United would like to shift some of the players from the squad, as it is being increasingly congested. Jose Mourinho has often admitted his preference to working with only 22 outfield players, while United currently have in excess of 25. Previously, it was thought that Bastian Schweinsteiger would be one of the first to move in January, but in a surprising turn of events, Fellaini could be heading towards the exit doors.
Fellaini is yet to score or assist in 700 minutes of Premier League football. However, he has picked up six yellow cards along the way. His biggest threat has been from set pieces, but United’s inability to make this count remains as of the biggest disappointments this season.
