Manchester United performed a stunning U-turn with regard to Marouane Fellaini by taking up the option of an additional year in the player’s contract. As a result, the Belgian international will now stay at United until the summer of 2018. Fellaini was never the popular signing when he came to the club in a £27 million deal in the summer of 2013. He was largely brought as a result of United failing to bring in a chunk of the transfer targets like Cesc Fabregas, Toni Kroos, and Cristiano Ronaldo in that summer. His relationship with David Moyes was also thought to be a chief factor in the move rather than his quality.
Fellaini has always been seen as a physical player and someone who did not fit into the ethos of United. He has become one of the least favourite players amongst the fans after playing a crucial role in the 1-1 draw with Everton a few weeks ago. Fellaini conceded the late penalty that saw United draw yet another game with a familiar scoreline. Since then, United’s results have improved dramatically and Fellaini has gone off the radar. Now, though, he is back in the headlines once again.
The Belgian helped Manchester United place one foot in the final of EFL Cup after scoring in the 2-0 semi-final win against Hull City. Now, the news of the contract extension has certainly got fans worried.
Nothing makes sense anymore…why would you extend #Fellaini contract while selling a better and younger DM in #Schneiderlin?! #MUFC #EPL
— Gautam Mahtani (@GDMahtani) January 12, 2017
So all it took for Marouane Fellaini to get a contract extension was to score an irrelevant goal against fishers from Hull.
— X (@Ch1buzo) January 12, 2017
Nothing makes sense anymore…why would you extend #Fellaini contract while selling a better and younger DM in #Schneiderlin?! #MUFC #EPL
— Gautam Mahtani (@GDMahtani) January 12, 2017
Fellaini given 12 months contract whereas Schneiderlin was sold, I do not agree with Mourinho on this one.
— Grand Master Timothy (@GeneralAdedotun) January 12, 2017
It is highly likely that Manchester United may have taken up this contract option in order to increase the player’s transfer value. Even though he may not be set for a move away from Old Trafford this January, United will certainly receive offers for the 28-year-old in the summer. The player would also like a move away from the club after having lost his first-team spot in the last few months. Fellaini’s contract now runs until the summer of 2018 – a crucial 18 months left on his contract.
After having paid just under £30 million, Manchester United have reasons to not consider letting the player leave on a free transfer in the upcoming summer. Fellaini may still have a crucial role to play at the club until the end of the season. The win against Hull City in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final means that United are still fighting on four fronts. Their presence in the Premier League, FA Cup, and the Europa League alone will put a huge burden on the players. In such a scenario, the ability to rotate the squad will be crucial in maintaining the same levels of performance. Fellaini is still capable of doing the job in the midfield, and may yet prove his worth to the club.
