REVEALED: Why Marouane Fellaini Decided To Extend His Stay At United
Reuters/Andrew Boyers
Marouane Fellaini stayed put at Manchester United to aid his chances of receiving international call-ups.
The midfielder appeared set to part ways with the Red Devils, despite manager Jose Mourinho asking him to extend his stay in Manchester on numerous occasions.
The likes of Arsenal, AC Milan, and a host of Turkish teams were all linked with the Belgian international throughout the summer, but the player eventually ended up signing a new two-year deal with United, with an option to extend for another year.
And now, Belgian media outlet Het Nieuwsblad has revealed that the 30-year-old only decided to extend his stay with Manchester United to aid his chances of being called up for his country in the future.
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While he may not be a guaranteed starter at Old Trafford, Mourinho does consider Fellaini a valuable asset. The Portuguese tactician has time and again used the former Everton man as an impact substitute who could provide an additional aerial threat to the team and help turn the tide in the Reds’ favour.
Had Fellaini made a switch elsewhere, however, he would have had to work hard to earn his new gaffer’s trust and establish his niche within the new team, and failure to do so would have cost him his place in the Belgian national team.
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Even if he had adapted to his new surroundings successfully, he could have possibly been overlooked for a player plying his trade in a far more superior league during international selection.
Considering his age and clubs that expressed an interest in his signature, staying put at Manchester United was a wise decision on Fellaini’s part, and it has proven to be just as beneficial for the Mancunian giants.
With the abysmal summer transfer window they have had, losing a player of Fellaini’s calibre and failing to bring in an apt replacement would have only led to more disastrous consequences for the Red Devils.