The last remaining advocates of Marouane Fellaini within the Manchester United fan base likely jumped ship on Sunday. I can’t imagine there are too many hold outs left, but what happened this past weekend will no doubt force the last dead-enders to abandon that cause.
United fans would love to see Fellaini jettisoned. Remember the vitriol for Tom Cleverley?
The Fellaini backlash is probably at that level, or worse. The Belgian, acquired on the very last day of the 2013 summer transfer window from Everton by David Moyes could have an escape route, the Telegraph claims. Also reportedly on the trading block, and potentially leaving, are Memphis Depay and Morgan Schneiderlin.
First let’s cover the Fellaini situation.
The Telegraph says that West Ham United are interested in Fellaini for a possible loan deal come January.
The relegation-threatened Premier League club believe they have been encouraged that Jose Mourinho might be willing to allow the Belgium international to leave.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has considered making a move for Fellaini in the past and the versatile 29-year-old could also be used in attack given the club’s ongoing problems.
And since we’re on the topic of a once Evertonian, we then transition to the talk surrounding Depay on Schneiderlin. This report appears on ESPN FC
Everton held discussions with Manchester United over transfer targets Memphis Depay and Morgan Schneiderlin before last weekend’s 1-1 draw, sources close to the Merseyside club have told ESPN FC.
Everton are keen on signing the out-of-favour United duo in January as they look to bolster their squad, and the two clubs were able to explore and discuss options prior to last Sunday’s game at Goodison Park.
Memphis Depay and Morgan Schneiderlin have also been left of the traveling squad for United’s Europa League clash at FC Zorya, a match that is being overshadowed by the icy frozen pitch, conditions that appear unplayable at this point.
Depay and Schneiderlin are currently reaching the same depths as Bastian Schweinsteiger (also omitted as he wasn’t even registered for the Europa League) when it comes to being frozen out under Jose Mourinho.
Here’s the link to a list of all the United players unavailable for this one, and here’s the link to our United starting XI prediction.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
He also consistently appears on numerous radio and television talk shows all across the country. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram and Sound Cloud.