Interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær has yet again dropped a huge hint regarding a player’s future. Amidst the ongoing Winter Transfer Market, the manager opened up, answering questions based on transfer rumours. This time, it was about none other than Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini.
As Fellaini is heavily linked with a transfer move to the CSL (Chinese Super League), a solid answer regarding his future is yet to be found.
The last time the Belgian featured for the Red Devils was against Reading for the 3rd round of FA Cup on the 5th of January. United comprehensively won the match with the final score 2-0 (thanks to Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku). Fellaini was included in the squad by Solskjær but he started as a substitute. He replaced Fred in the middle of the park for United.
In total, Fellaini has appeared 21 times in all competitions for United this season. He also managed to get on the score-sheet twice.
The midfielder followed David Moyes from Goodison Park to Old Trafford in 2013. The man who was trusted by Louis Van Gaal and his successor Jose Mourinho is now not able to make an impact under the tenure of Solskjær. But where is it all going wrong for the Belgian? His days in Manchester appear to be numbered at the moment.
Following Tuesday’s entertaining 2-2 draw at home against Burnley, reporters were curious regarding the Belgian’s future at Old Trafford. The interim manager replied to the reporters. He said:
“To be honest, no.
“I’ve been busy all day, so I don’t know the latest update on that one so just wait and see.”
With the transfer deadline day inching closer, many reports claim that Fellaini is all set for a move away from Old Trafford. His next destination? Jinan, China. It is believed that Fellaini has decided to move to China, with Shandong Luneng being his upcoming destination. As a result, the 31-year-old is set to join a list of famed footballers who moved to China after a great spell in European football, if these reports are said to be true. The list includes:
- Yannick Carrasco
- Carlos Tevez
- Oscar
- Javier Mascherano
- Paulinho
- Hulk
- Cedric Bakambu
The Chinese Super League in recent years has gained a lot of spotlight attraction, thanks to its business oriented owners. The CSL became famous for luring and bringing top European footballing guns to East Asia, by offering them record breaking salaries. In an interview with Copa90, ex-Chelsea footballer Oscar opened up about how many footballers come to China, looking at the salary, to help their families economically. In addition, he also promoted the environment and coming up of CSL and how it is matching the quality of top European leagues like LaLiga, Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and the Premier League respectively.
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Although it may be a surprising statement, Fellaini’s departure from Old Trafford can be a huge blow for United. The Red Devils will lose a good substitute who has helped United with many match winning headers. In the following days, we are going to get a clearer image regarding the Belgian international’s future.
Is he leaving? If yes, then how will United manage to find his substitute? If no, then how will he win his place in the first team back under the tenure of Ole Gunnar Solskjær?
On Sunday, Manchester United will be travelling to King Power Stadium, as they take on Leicester City. As Solskjær and his lads are eyeing another victory, Fellaini would be looking forward to feature as a starter against the Foxes, targeting the 3 points as a common goal. The answer seems unclear for now, as the fans are eagerly waiting for a solid answer from both the player, and his manager.
