Manchester United fear Marouane Fellaini could hold for huge pay-rise on a new contract

Manchester United may have to offer a significant wage hike to Marouane Fellaini in order to prolong his stay beyond the 2017/18 season. The Red Devils activated a one-year extension clause in the Belgian’s contract back in January, and this sees him contracted until June 2018.

According to The Sun, the 29-year-old midfielder is holding out for a sizeable wage package following his impressive start to the current season. Fellaini has notched four goals in the short space of two months with the Red Devils, and this has earned him the trust of the United faithful, who criticised his performances last term.

The lanky midfielder started the campaign as a regular on the substitutes’ bench, and it was not until Paul Pogba’s hamstring injury last month, did he get the chance to impress on a regular basis. With Pogba out for the long-term, Mourinho had the choice between Ander Herrera and Fellaini to partner Matic in midfield, but the Special one went with the latter following his strong European performance against Basel.

With Pogba out for the long-term, Mourinho had the choice between Ander Herrera and Fellaini to partner Matic in midfield, but the Special one went with the latter following his strong European performance against Basel. The Belgian has since not put a foot wrong in the starting lineup, scoring an impressive brace in the recent 4-0 thumping of Crystal Palace.

The Red Devils have the tendency of offering one-year rolling contracts to players aged above 30, and this could potentially become a stumbling block for Fellaini, who will celebrate his 30th birthday next month.

Meanwhile, the former Evertonian is also said to want a significant increase on his £130,000 weekly package, and it will be interesting to see how United proceed with the negotiations prior to the New Year.

Long-term admirers Galatasaray could discuss a pre-contract with Fellaini during the winter transfer window, but Mourinho will surely want to avoid such a situation with a player, who is now crucial to his first-team plans.

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