According to reports in Turkey, Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini is all set to leave Old Trafford for Turkish League side Galatasaray. The Belgian international didn’t have the best of seasons for the Red Devils last campaign with both the manager as well fans displeased with his inconsistent form.
Apparently, the Sporting Director of Galatasaray, Cenk Ergun, has revealed to the Turkish media the club’s interest in the 29-year-old player with reports even claiming that the towering midfielder agreeing on a five-year deal with the Super Lig giants.
Midfield has been a huge conundrum for Manchester United for the past few years. The position has seen the arrival of some very promising talents previously by Louis Van Gaal and then from Jose Mourinho. But following Paul Pogba’s big money move last summer, the team had to leave Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin as they didn’t fit in the revamped United setup anymore.
Now with Nemanja Matic’s move coming closer every week, Fellaini’s time seems up. But the main problem has been their combination. Mourinho is yet to find out the trio that would suit the squad most effectively. Matic, who has had a brilliant second stint with Chelsea, could struggle at Old Trafford too.
Fellaini had a superstar stature at Goodison Park before he moved to Manchester in 2013. His towering frame was used the most efficaciously by David Moyes, who had kept Everton as one of the most consistent sides in the league. Fellaini was an integral part of his team scoring 32 goals and assisting 28 times in 192 games. Every major attack had him involved some way or the other.
And while Van Gaal did get success to some extent as he managed to squeeze 11 goals and three assists in 65 games, Mourinho has totally lost the plot with him. And the crux of the matter has been surrounding the team around Pogba. Fellaini is one of the most utility players in the league with his ability to use his physique intelligently and brilliant passing abilities.
However, he would hardly suit a side like United or Liverpool, whose main USP lies in lighting quick counters. The player remains a brilliant defender and almost intercepts any attack the goalie tries to lob over to the centre forward. And most of all, his style of play could allow him to play at his peak for five nearly more years.
It would be a huge mistake for United to let him go. The ideal solution would change the three-man midfield setup.
