Jose Mourinho Worried Manchester United Player Could Leave For Free

Jose Mourinho says he is "worried" regarding the current contract situation involving Marouane Fellaini.

The big Belgian, a £27.5 million signing from Everton on the summer transfer deadline day in 2013, has grown to become a very important player at United and one that Mourinho wishes to keep.

Image: PA

Fellaini's initial deal at Old Trafford was due to expire this past summer but earlier this year United activated an option to an extend it by a further year - meaning his contract is up in the summer of 2018 and he is free to speak to clubs in two months time when the January window rolls around.

That is something that greatly concerns Mourinho, as he stressed in a recent press conference.

As quoted by Sky Sports, he said:

"I'm worried about Fellaini and not about Luke Shaw because Fellaini finishes his contract and Luke Shaw doesn't."

Fellaini started the 2017/18 season in fine form, scoring four goals in his first eight games before he suffered a knee injury while on international duty for Belgium in a game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Images: PA

He attracted very serious interest from Turkey in the summer, with both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce linked.

But Mourinho values him highly and said he never entertained the idea of getting rid of him.

"It's easier for Galatasaray to get me than Marouane," he said back in July.

"If they need a manager, they have a chance, but Marouane? Forget it. He is too important to me."

Fellaini arrived at Old Trafford as the first signing of the disastrous David Moyes era, in 2013 and endured endured a nightmare first season at the club, as the team finished seventh and sacked Moyes before the end of the season.

And though he's not been fully embraced by a section of the United faithfuls, to his credit Fellaini has grown to be a useful player under Louis van Gaal and now Mourinho.

Fellaini has made 141 appearances for United, scoring 19 goals and helping the Red Devils lift the 2016 FA Cup and the EFL Cup and Europa League last season.

Topics: Jose Mourinho, Manchester United, Marouane Fellaini, Luke Shaw

Josh Lawless

Josh is a writer who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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