Manchester United: Re-signing Fellaini would be a colossal mistake

After much debate a wrangling, Marouane Fellaini looks set to stay at Manchester United for the time being. This could prove to be a costly mistake for the club.

Ever since the close of the 2017-18 season, there has been a constant swirling of rumours regarding United’s Belgian beanpole. The midfielder’s contract is set to expire on the 1st of July, and news emerged that Fellaini was asking for more money than United were willing to give him.

Initial reports linked him to Turkey. Then, there was news of clubs in Italy being interested in him, most notably AC Milan. Even more shockingly, Arsenal was apparently interested in his services.

Over the last few days, however, news has emerged that Fellaini will actually be extending his contract with the Red Devils, with a new deal set to keep him at the club until 2020.

This could be the single biggest mistake of Manchester United’s summer.

A reminder of the past

Marouane Fellaini’s presence in the squad is a reminder of the post-Ferguson era struggles for United. The Belgian bruiser was David Moyes’ biggest piece of business in his first (and only) season in charge, and the fans have never taken to him.

There have been moments when he has shown glimpses of quality. The winning goal against Arsenal last season. His performance against Club Brugge in the Champions League qualifier in the van Gaal era. At his core, he is a useful squad member, a hulking bruiser, more battering-ram than man. He is not a comfortable player to play against, with his physical, foul-heavy, frustrating style of play. You do not get into the Belgian World Cup side without having something about you.

However, his presence at United is not a positive one. This has nothing to do with Fellaini as a person. He seems to be well-liked enough in the dressing room. Moyes, van Gaal, and Mourinho have all praised him. His contributions to the side have improved since his first season at the club.

But, as United now enter their fifth season since they won the Premier League title, Fellaini is a reminder of the all the disappointment that has followed Ferguson’s exit. He is a reminder of Moyes’ side putting in cross after failed cross against Fulham. Of van Gaal’s side aimlessly passing the ball around the back. Every time United have seen Fellaini’s afro bounce up from the bench this past season, it has been to a chorus of groans as Old Trafford prepares to see the ball hoofed up the field.

Next: Arsenal: Is signing Sokratis a good or bad move?

Old Trafford needs a breath of fresh air

Fellaini represents a style of play that United’s fans are desperate to move on from. With the signing of players like Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, and Fred, the feeling was that they might finally phase Fellaini out of the team, but alas, it does not seem to be so.

The Belgian midfielder’s presence means that Mourinho will always have the fallback option of lumping it long if things are not working out. That does not bode well for United’s 2018-19 campaign.

A breath of fresh air is needed at Old Trafford, and the extension of Fellaini’s contract is the equivalent of closing the windows to keep the stale air in.