Manchester United have confirmed that Belgian international Marouane Fellaini has signed a new two-year deal. The former Everton midfielder, who’s original five-year contract was due to expire at the end June, was widely expected to leave Old Trafford with Arsenal and AC Milan having expressed an interest in his services. Fellaini’s initial reluctance to commit his future to United appeared to stem from the club’s original offer of a one-year extension combined with the fact that the Belgian has been little more than a useful squad option, but the club has now seemingly increased its offer to the point that Fellaini is happy to sign on the dotted line.
Speaking to Manutd.com, the player had this to say: “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.”
Jose Mourinho offered this on the news: “I am very happy Marouane is staying with us. I always believed in his desire to stay with the club and I am delighted that he has signed a new contract.”
Given that United have signed Shakhtar Donetsk’s Fred this summer, and with Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba already assured starters under Mourinho, it’s unlikely that Fellaini’s role in the team will change much. But if the midfielder is happy to sign on for another two years, then he must surely be satisfied with his role in the team. Mourinho’s satisfaction at the move, and the player’s pointed thanks for his manager suggests that the decision has been welcomed by both parties .
