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What's the story?
Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has yet to put pen to paper on a new contract at Old Trafford. The Belgian midfielder, who started his first game of the season against Everton, is already in the final year of his contract.
The Red Devils already have an offer on the table for Fellaini, but the player's agents appear to be unhappy with the offer.
Also read: Marouane Fellaini: Let's stop trivializing the titanic Belgian
It is said that the former Everton midfielder, who turns 30 this November, expects a longer extension than the one offered to him, according to the Daily Mail and the Daily Star. The former Everton midfielder is reported to be serving a contract worth £80,000-per-week.
Jose Mourinho was full of praise for Fellaini last week, stating he would feel weaker without the Belgian by his side. Referring to his importance in the squad, Mourinho stated:
"I have always thought of Fellaini as a player with special qualities. You always want a player like that in your team or squad."
In case you didn't know...
Marouane Fellaini was the first signing made by David Moyes after replacing Sir Alex Ferguson as the United boss in 2013. But, the midfielder had a tough start at United after being booed and criticized for abysmal performances.
He was also named on Daily Telegraph's "10 Worst Buys of the Premier League season" in April 2014.
The Belgian midfielder managed to stay at the club upon arrival of Dutch boss Louis Van Gaal.
Also read: The curious case of Marouane Fellaini
The Dutch boss used Fellaini as a striker in most of the matches. Jose Mourinho has already warded off interest from Galatasaray stating his intention to keep Fellaini in his plans.
The heart of the matter
2016-17 proved to be a kind of redemption for Fellaini under Jose Mourinho. However, Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic have offered him a stiff competition to gain a starting berth at United. Recent displays by the Belgian have shown Fellaini returning to his previous best.
However, being in the final year of his contract, the Belgian prefers to have a salary increase and a longer extension in his next contract. The deal offered by United doesn't seem to meet the expectations of his camp.
What's next?
Fellaini has often been played out of position at United and has not been given game time to settle in his preferred area of defensive midfield. The midfielder would certainly prefer to stay at United rather than join a smaller club.
United boss Jose Mourinho has been a key figure in the resurgence of Fellaini. He believes confidence is the key to the midfielder's recently improved performances at Manchester United.
Author's Take
Given Fellaini's record for the past few years, he does not appear to be in the state to bargain. It would be only a smaller club than Manchester United who would willingly take him. With United back in the UEFA Champions League this season, it seems Fellaini would rather be intent on staying at United.
Although Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic have reserved their berths in the midfield, the injury to the former is the best chance for Fellaini to prove his vital importance to the boss. In turn, Mourinho and the club would willingly accept his demands in the contract. It is all down to Fellaini's performances this season.
