Jose Mourinho urges Manchester United to open new contract talks with Marouane Fellaini
The Belgium ace is yet to start a game this season but the Manchester United boss believes he is a key part of his team
JOSE MOURINHO has personally urged the Old Trafford chiefs to extend Marouane Fellaini's stay at the club, according to reports.
The midfielder is yet to start a game this season but came off the bench to inspire United to victory in the Champions League match against Basel on Tuesday with the first of their three goals.
United have tabled an initial offer to Fellaini after an intervention from Mourinho, Sunday Mirror Sport report.
The Portuguese manager has high praise for Fellaini and highlighted him as a key member of the team.
He said: "I have always thought of Fellaini as a player with special qualities.
"You always want a player like that on your team or squad."
The United boss says he "feels weaker" when he is missing from the squad and blocked a move to the Turkish side Galatasaray this summer despite them agreeing to terms with the player.
The Belgium international is said to be happy working under Mourinho but is also after a long-term commitment.
LATEST MAN UNITED NEWS
But as his 30th birthday is fast approaching, that could be a problem for Fellaini as the club have a policy of only offering one-year extensions to players of that age.
The 29-year-old joined United from Everton in 2013 in a £27.5million deadline day deal and has made 138 total appearances for the club with 17 goals.
