Most of us are in mourning over the the prospect of two more years of Marouane Fellaini at Manchester United, and a few of us have noted there’s even the option for a third year in his contract, too. However, for Belgium in the World Cup, he has been an adequate presence, and scored a vital goal for his team in their comeback from 2-0 down to Japan to win 3-2. He came of the subs’ bench and did what he was supposed to do - act as a target man for better players to find with their crosses. Which leads us to the conclusion that is pretty miserable: maybe Roberto Martinez can make a better team out of his players than Jose Mourinho can make out of his.
Manchester United are apparently interested in 16-year-old Matt Bondswell, who has been impressing for Nottingham Forest’s youth sides, and also is really excellent for his school at athletic events. Unsurprisingly, other teams are interested, and RB Leipzig look like they may continue the trend of German sides treating English youngsters better than their Premier League counterparts - more here.
The Independent ask why Marcus Rashford is struggling on the international stage. The last season seems to have knocked his confidence, but he also betrayed a selfishness on the pitch that his talent does not yet merit. Nobody says he has to become a Mourinho-style Joe Cole, but he does have plenty to learn yet wherever he ends up.
United are now closing in on their third signing of the summer transfer window. The impressive Lee Grant, who covered for Jack Butland when he was injured at Stoke, looks set to join as cover for Sergio Romero and David de Gea, costing just £1.5, meaning Sam Johnstone will leave permanently, and Joel Pereira can go out on loan.