UNITED MUST NOT CASH IN ON VITAL FELLAINI

IT IS unhelpful that Marouane Fellaini can begin negotiating his way out of Manchester United in January but, at the same time, the club would be mad to sell him. It is not just that Fellaini is an able understudy to Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba in midfield, he is also the random factor that Jose Mourinho introduces at the end of matches. Witness the final 10 minutes at Stamford Bridge recently when, chasing the game, the long ball to Fellaini (below) represented United’s best chance of grabbing an equaliser. Purists may sneer, but it remains a very effective means of spreading chaos and panic in the penalty area. Chelsea held out that day, but they were far from comfortable. At a club of Manchester United’s size and wealth, the money that could be made selling Fellaini six months before his contract ends is insignificant. It is not as if such a fee could finance major recruitment. Equally, there are no suggestions Fellaini is being disruptive over the failed contract negotiations, and no evidence his performance levels have dropped. If he wishes to go at the end of the season, that is his call, but there is no worth in selling him earlier.