Our Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are expecting their Belgian midfielder to leave this January, amidst the ongoing contract talks with the club.

With the midfielder’s contract due to run out in the summer, Fellaini has seemingly been trying to hold the club to ransom over a new contract in recent months. A firm favourite for Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho, much to the disgruntlement of many of our Mancunian punters in the pub, and the fact he’s apparently unsure of extending his deal is a huge annoyance to our punters.

Fellaini has been somewhat of a marmite player since he was brought in on deadline day to the club, signed by his ex-manager David Moyes during his first summer window. He certainly adds something different to the team when he plays but many of our regulars seem to have the same views as the fans that watch the Red Devils regularly.

Our landlord has had a long discussion with the regulars and they’ve come up with two reasons Mourinho should be forcing Fellaini out of the club this January…

Change of Pace on the Pitch

When Fellaini plays, United’s counter-attacking style slows right down. The Belgian is often a nuisance in the box when the Red Devils need him most but he’s equally a nuisance in the centre of the park also. He tends to slow the overall play down and United find it hard to get truly going when he’s in the team.

Yes, he’s a different type of problem in the latter stages of a game when Mourinho needs a goal, but overall he’s a hindrance more than a positive effect on the team.

Board Need to Make a Stance

Fellaini has largely held the board to ransom this season over his demands for the new contract, this could potentially open the door up to more awkward and difficult negotiations in the future, especially with a fair few of the first teams’ contracts all expiring this season.

Ed Woodward and the board should make a point and an example of the Belgian now before it goes any further.