Manchester United have already signed two exciting stars in Fred and Diogo Dalot in the transfer window this summer but the World Cup in Russia has not helped them in dealing with their top transfer targets, most of who are busy on international duty.
However, this has given Jose Mourinho time to sort out the futures of some of the unsettled players in the squad. One such player, who has now pledged his future to the club is Marouane Fellaini.
Fellaini Signs New Deal Till 2020:
The Belgian international, who is a crucial part of the national side in Russia, was out of a contract at the end of June and lack of playing time at Old Trafford meant that he was looking elsewhere for a fresh start. Mourinho wanted Fellaini to stay and offered him a new deal late last season but reports suggested that Fellaini might be closing in on an exit this summer.
However, contrary to most stories going around, Manchester United announced that they have tied the versatile midfielder to a new deal till 2020. So is this a smart move by Mourinho?
How Will Fellaini Be Used:
A player Mourinho admires, Fellaini was handed just five league starts last season but came off the bench on 12 occasions, including once in the Champions League. He is mostly used to see out leads late in the game, adding numbers to the backline, but is equally adept at finding a winning goal late in the game.
He has been used to add a presence in the attack late in the game, giving the wingers and the full-backs a target to hit in the box. It is a plan that worked well for Mourinho last season and his physical approach to the game makes him perfect for the Portuguese’s style of play.
He does not add too much creativity from the middle of the park, so will not be used regularly in the first team but he can be a more than a decent backup for Nemanja Matic in the first team and will help Mourinho compete on all fronts. He has loads of experience and is a genuine match winner and is surely going to be an asset next season for the Red Devils.
Why This Is A Smart Move By United:
Mourinho does not seem too happy with Ander Herrera, who might no longer be at the club next season. He has already lost Carrick and signed Fred to add a number to the options in the midfield. But Matic and Paul Pogba are expected to be first choice midfielders next season as well.
Fellaini’s contract extension has not been taken too kindly by United fans, who believe that they should have been looking to upgrade on him this summer but the Belgian is a versatile player, who can play multiple roles and would have left the club on a free transfer.
In this market, a player of his quality will certainly hurt United’s transfer budget so it makes sense for them to extend his deal for a couple of years, use him as a backup for one and sell him at a price next summer.
Fellaini has no long-term future at Old Trafford but he will certainly be a crucial part of Mourinho’s plans, to try and topple the domination Manchester City and Pep Guardiola showed last season.