Marouane Fellaini to leave United for Galatasaray

Our long international nightmare could soon be over. According to reports in the Turkish media, Galatasaray is negotiating with Manchester United for the transfer of midfielder Marouane Fellaini. The Belgian midfielder, whose - let’s say, “agricultural” - style was never a natural fit at United, recently had a one-year contract extension triggered by the club. Despite being one of the least technically gifted players to ever wear the red shirt, he became a firm favorite of José Mourinho, and the manager frequently sang Fellaini’s praises and protected him from criticism.

Fellaini had become so much a teacher’s pet that most fans had resigned themselves to the fact of his regular involvement. The big Belgian had settled in to his role in the team as Mourinho’s blunt instrument; an occasionally useful, but more often calamitous presence. He had been forced upon United supporters so relentlessly, that many had begun to find him endearing. As such, a move this summer comes as something of a surprise.

Galatasaray sporting director Cenk Ergun confirmed the reports.

“Fellaini will leave Manchester United and he is now in our radar. There will be surprises (in the transfer window), we are in talks with Fellaini.

“We have made an approach, we are close and if we get Fellaini we will end our pursuit of (Villarreal’s Alfred) N’Diaye.

“We need a player like Fellaini who can move around in midfield.”

“Move around in midfield” is certainly one way of putting it. Light your prayer candles, and hope that no one emails Mr. Ergun any video footage of Marouane Fellaini on a football field before this deal is done.