By: Daniel Bawden
For many months now (especially since David Moyes was appointed manager of Manchester United) Marouane Fellaini has been mentioned as a possible solution to United’s long last central midfield crisis. Michael Carrick has nailed down a place in the Starting XI but with Scholes retiring, Giggs at 39 & the inconsistency of Cleverley & Anderson, United have been desperate to bring in a new central midfielder to bolster the Starting XI. United have already failed in attempts to sign Thiago Alcantara & Cesc Fabregas this Summer & with less than two weeks away until the end of the transfer window, it’s very important for Moyes to bring in a big name signing.
Fellaini is like marmite, some people love him, some people love him. He’s fantastic in attacking positions, he scares all defences when full-backs play diagonal balls across the box, he’s also particularly effective in corners, his height and strength, it makes it impossible for majority of defenders to mark him. The price tag is the main stumbling block, United would match his wages and I’m sure Fellaini would like to join Moyes at Manchester United.
Fellaini’s buy-out expired at the end of July (£26M) most football fans didn’t believe Fellaini was worth £26M, so this clause wouldn’t affect any bid from United. After having a £16M bid rejected today, most believe a fee of around £20M would bring Fellaini to Old Trafford.
United though, need an all-round midfielder who plays in the defensive-midfield role, even more this is Marouane’s favoured position, he’s failed to be clinical in these positions. The majority of United fans believe Moyes should be targeting midfielders like Modric and Ozil, though, Marouane would be available at a much lower price and would be a much easier transfer to complete.
Though, most fans at United, would like Fellaini to join United as long as we also go on to sign another midfielder (If Anderson leaves!).
As an Evertonian, I have to say that “Felli” is a class act and will be a truly huge influence on any team he plays for during the next year as the Belgium squad are assembled for what will be their best chance for a long time of being in the top few teams of the World Cup. However, he may not be best suited to the short passing style that Martinez wants to bring to Everton. SO, if Man U want him, this is the best chance of getting him. BUT, Man U, don’t take the “proverbial”. £30mill is the figure that would get him. “Over The Top”? Maybe. but would your “noisy neighbours” City balk at that if their manager wanted a player? OR are you now resigned to being the “Poor Neighbours” in Manchester?
If Anderson or Cleverley were at another club instead of being at Utd, I can guarantee every fan would have been screaming for the manager to sign them. The difference between Anderson and Clev compared to Fellaini and Modric is….they’ve never been fit enough to have a run of games. With Moyes that will definately change…as long as theres no activity in the transfer market.
Personally, I just can’t get past the stupid hair.