Earlier this week, Marouane Fellaini said that he would announce his destination for next season on Sunday July 1, the day after his Manchester United contract expires. Yesterday, it leaked to media outlets everywhere that he received a lucrative two-year extension from the club, an thus the announcement got moved up a couple days.
United released the following statement on Friday, attributing the following quotes to Fellaini:
“I am pleased to be continuing my journey as a Manchester United player.”I made this decision because I am very happy here. Also, I feel like this team, under Jose, still has a lot we want to achieve.”
“I would like to say a special thank you to Jose for the faith he has always shown in me. My focus now is on the World Cup and I am looking forward to a successful season ahead.”
A lot of United fans are less than thrilled with this development. United have a midfield three of Fred, Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba, and given how much manager Jose Mourinho favors Fellaini sometimes in selection, there is a lot of concern among the fan base that Fellaini could supplant much better, more talented players in the starting XI.
United fans are making their dissenting voices heard on Twitter right now. Here is a small sample:
https://twitter.com/Manchesterspeak/status/1011918149866934272
https://twitter.com/Manchesterspeak/status/1011884442674229248
This tweeter makes a great point, no one wants to see the “lob long balls to Fellaini attack” this upcoming season. Below we find a keen observation from the Belgium-England game yesterday, and a spotlight on the difference in Fellaini positioning by club and country managers.
https://twitter.com/UnitedStandMUFC/status/1012421177736880128
https://twitter.com/UnitedStandMUFC/status/1012404794022137856
While this guy certainly has a few valid points, and it’s understandable why so many agree with, it’s still a bit of the classic social media overreaction.
Marouane Fellaini signing a new contract, Ashley Young being our starting LB, Willian on his way.
R.I.P Manchester United Football Club.
— Retro United (@Retro_Utd) June 26, 2018
Manchester City getting Jorginho, Liverpool getting Fabinho and Keita, Arsenal getting Torreira, Manchester United begging Fellaini to sign a new contract.
This club is finito.
— Retro United (@Retro_Utd) June 27, 2018
We saved the best for last here; totally spot on and utterly hilarious
Once again, the Simpsons successfully predict the future – this time, Marouane Fellaini's contract talks. pic.twitter.com/dur3SMgacx
— Ball Street (@BallStreet) June 29, 2018
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, is currently a regular contributor to SB Nation, WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
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