Manchester United under growing pressure from Jose Mourinho to keep Marouane Fellaini
Manchester United’s hierarchy are under growing pressure from Jose Mourinho to do everything within their power to keep Marouane Fellaini.
United are still in talks with Fellaini and his representatives over a new deal, with Mourinho desperate to avoid losing the Belgium midfielder when his existing contract expires at the end of the season.
Mourinho has made it clear to Fellaini how highly he values him and has urged the player to extend his stay at Old Trafford.
United will not countenance Fellaini’s sale this month, despite the prospect of losing him for nothing in the summer, but Mourinho hopes the board can still do enough to persuade the 30 year-old to remain at the club.
Fellaini rejected United’s opening contract offer last September but discussions have continued to take place since then.
It is understood that Fellaini has yet to make a final decision over his future, even though United face a battle to keep him. He has been linked with a move to Besiktas in Turkey while several clubs domestically and in Europe are monitoring his situation.
Fellaini has recently returned to the first team fold after injury problems limited him to just 148 minutes of football for United in the final three months of last year.
The Belgian endured a difficult first few seasons at Old Trafford following his £27.5 million move from Everton in 2013 but he has become an increasingly influential figure under Mourinho, who regards him as a key member of his squad.
With Michael Carrick considering retiring at the end of the season when the 36-year-old midfielder’s contract expires, Mourinho does not want to be left in a situation where he has to replace two experienced central midfielders at the same time.
Carrick has played just one game for United this season, against Burton Albion in the League Cup in September, since when he underwent a cardiac ablation – a procedure to correct an irregular heart rhythm. However, Carrick has been training normally again and is in line to return soon.
