Fellaini urged to leave United

Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has been urged to leave Old Trafford by Belgium manager Marc Wilmots.

Fellaini was a regular under Louis van Gaal last season, but the 27-year old has only started three games for the Reds this term, and two of those starts were in Capital One Cup ties and his only start in the Premier League came up top against Liverpool in mid-September.

The former Everton man was not picked for Belgium’s friendlies with Italy and Spain (which was cancelled) during the international break due to injury, but Wilmots has suggested that Fellaini may not make his Euro 2016 squad if he fails to obtain regular first-team action at Old Trafford.

Speaking to Belgian newspaper Le Soir, Wilmots said:

A player who does not play for his club is frustrating for a coach. Fellaini could play to support the attack, as the No 6. He has very good technique, very good ability to track back and recover. Maybe he will try to find a new challenge in January if it is possible.

Fellaini’s last seven appearances for Belgium have all seen him start as the Red Devils came top of their Euro 2016 qualifying group, two points ahead of Wales. That indicates that the big Belgian is a crucial component of their world’s top international side (according to FIFA) at the moment.

However, if the midfielder continues to make sporadic appearances for United off the bench, his place in Belgium’s plans for France next summer may come under real jeopardy.