Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho has openly revealed that he’s worried about the possibility of losing a key cog in his squad next summer.
The Portuguese tactician has always favoured midfielder Marouane Fellaini, as the 29-year-old made 47 appearances in all competitions last season while he’s been involved in eight outings so far this year.
While Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba will always likely be the first-choice options in midfield when fit and available for selection, Fellaini has been crucial when stepping in to offer quality and depth and that isn’t likely to change moving forward unless Mourinho convinces United to splash out on another midfielder.
When asked about the fact that the Belgian international’s contract expires at the end of the season and in turn he will be able to leave on a free transfer, Mourinho admitted to being concerned as unlike others in the squad including Luke Shaw, there is no option to exercise on Fellaini to extend his deal for another year.
“I’m worried about Fellaini and not about Luke Shaw,” Mourinho noted, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. “Because Fellaini finishes his contract and Luke Shaw doesn’t.”
In turn, the former Everton ace will be able to speak to other clubs from January onwards as per the rules and regulations, and so if he doesn’t see himself at Old Trafford moving forward, then he can begin talks elsewhere and assess his options.
Nevertheless, it’s difficult to see where he would get a better offer away from Old Trafford. Perhaps he’d get a more prominent role elsewhere and play more regularly, but would it give him the same opportunity to win major trophies?
That will only become clear when interest is expressed in his services in January onwards, but Mourinho clearly hopes to be able to call upon him this season and beyond for the Red Devils.