Marouane Fellaini – A Statistical Comparison Of The Belgian With Other PL Midfielders
After yet another solid victory, this time over Southampton, Jose Mourinho will be ecstatic with the way things are going for his Manchester United side, who are already fighting at the top end of the table. The Red Devils have a solid squad at their disposal, thanks to all the additions Mourinho has made after taking over at the club.
The likes of Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic have already hit the ground running but one player that they have had to call upon in times of distress this season has been Belgian star Marouane Fellaini.
The former Everton star joined the club under David Moyes more than a couple of years ago, and though he failed to establish himself in the first team even under the next two managers, he has always been a utility player that the Red Devils have turned to in time of need.
Having played as a striker, a support striker, a midfielder and also as a CDM, Fellaini is one of the most versatile players available in England at the moment. Jose Mourinho has been smart in the way he has used him, pushing him into tough situations, from the bench.
He is an option for United when they are a goal down and when they need some attacking impetus. He is also equally adept at adding mettle to the midfield when his side is trying to see off a narrow advantage during a game.
He may not be used in the first team in the league or in the UCL but he is a player who will be one of the first names to come off the bench and change the complexion of the game.
At 29, it looked like his time at Old Trafford was up, but Jose Mourinho has placed a lot of trust on his abilities and decided to keep him at the club for another year.
According to recent reports, the Portuguese manager wants Fellaini to sign a new deal. The Belgian extended his stay until the end of the current season but he will be a free-agent at the end of the season if he decides to not sign a new deal.
Manchester United can always spend on a better option to replace Fellaini if they lose him, but at the moment, his experience in the English league and his attributes, which suit Mourinho’s style of play, will warrant him a new deal.
It is not like Fellaini will find a bigger club to play for in the future, so it is a win-win for both parties if Manchester United can get the big Belgian to sign a new deal.