Manchester United completed the double over Arsenal as they managed to strengthen their position in the 2nd place in the points table. Jose Mourinho is already planning for life next season and is looking to sign some exciting stars this summer.
But he is also keeping an eye on the players in his squad who could leave and one such star who could be offered yet another contract extension is Marouane Fellaini.
Fellaini Close To New Deal
The Belgian international who scored the winner against Arsenal earlier in the week rejected a chance to extend his contract earlier in the season and was expected to quit the club as a free agent at the end of the campaign. However, Jose Mourinho has now revealed that he is close to signing a new deal.
Speaking to the media after the victory over Arsenal, Mourinho said that Manchester United are ‘almost there’ referring to extending Fellaini’s contract. So what future does the Belgian international have at Old Trafford?
Fellaini And His Effect On The Season
Having joined Manchester United in 2013, Fellaini turned into a utility man for Jose Mourinho since his move to Manchester. Used as the deepest of the midfielders, or as a support striker to add a presence inside the opposition box, the 30-year old has managed just four league starts this season but has scored five goals in 21 appearances in all competitions.
Nemanja Matic is now the first choice midfielder for Mourinho but Fellaini’s versatility has been useful on more than one occasion. He has missed a total of 21 games in all competitions due to several injuries but has always been effective when called upon.
His technique and ability to find the back of the net along with his presence of mind to be able to play in a no.6 role is exactly what Mourinho needs from his players. So it does not come as a surprise that the Portuguese tactician is desperate to retain Fellaini beyond this summer.
But Will Fellaini Sign?
Mourinho was quite clear that though he is close to a new deal, that there is every chance that he might look to play elsewhere next season. He is a part of the Belgian squad travelling to Russia later this year for the World Cup and if he can put in a decent performance, there will be no shortage of teams that will be interested in him.
Mourinho will not be able to offer first team action to Fellaini next season. Matic will remain the first choice while Paul Pogba is one of the first names on the team sheet. Ander Herrera might quit, but that will force United to spend on another midfielder, giving Fellaini no route into the first.
At 30, Fellaini believes he may still be ready to play two games a week and unless Mourinho’s charm works, he will find it hard to keep the Belgian at Old Trafford next season. Retaining him is a no-brainer for United but will they be able to?
