Although Nemanja Matić’s imminent arrival is expected to reshape Manchester United’s midfield, Marouane Fellaini remains a player with distinct tactical value. While Matić brings similar defensive capabilities and greater passing range, his addition pushes Fellaini further down the pecking order. For fans of Bangladesh Cricket Live, this scenario feels familiar—where one player’s role shifts dramatically with the arrival of another, but their hidden value continues to matter in tight moments.
Matić is likely to form a midfield trio with Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba, meaning Fellaini’s chances of regular starts in the new season look slim. That could be a key reason behind his transfer speculation. From United and José Mourinho’s perspective, however, losing Fellaini would still be a blow. He offers something others don’t—physical presence, aerial dominance, and composure built on experience. His signature heading ability brings variety to United’s tactics, especially in set-piece situations or when chasing a result.
A perfect example was seen in the match against Valerenga, where it was Fellaini’s header that broke the deadlock. Last season, Mourinho often relied on him as a go-to option when the team needed directness or a physical edge in midfield. Financially, the club stands to gain little from his sale. At 29 and with just a year left on his contract, Fellaini’s market value is limited. In today’s inflated transfer climate, finding a replacement with his exact skill set and experience would be no easy task.
Keeping Fellaini could be the smarter move for Manchester United. Yet, without the guarantee of regular playing time, Mourinho may need to work some man-management magic to convince him to stay. For athletes like those in Bangladesh Cricket Live, finding that balance between personal ambition and team role is a story they know all too well.
Matić’s arrival is a significant upgrade for the club, particularly in Mourinho’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. In that system, Herrera and Pogba typically occupy the double pivot, while players like Juan Mata and Henrikh Mkhitaryan rotate in the advanced midfield role. Fellaini, along with Michael Carrick, often features as backup. His most realistic route into the starting eleven would be in a three-man midfield, where he partners Herrera deeper, allowing Pogba to roam forward. That setup has worked well in matches where Mourinho prioritized midfield solidity and aerial control.
As the new season looms, Fellaini finds himself at a crossroads. With the World Cup on the horizon, his desire for regular minutes is understandable. Yet his impact when called upon is undeniable. Just like a dependable all-rounder in Bangladesh Cricket Live, Fellaini may not always start, but when the game is on the line, his unique strengths can make all the difference.