Jose Mourinho is worried Marouane Fellaini will leave Manchester United in the summer as contract talks continue to drag on.
The 30-year-old has endured a difficult relationship with United supporters at times but has become an influential player under the Portuguese.
That form was recognised as the Red Devils triggered the one-year extension in Fellaini’s contract at the start of the year, but agreeing a deal beyond the summer is proving difficult.
It is understood United have no intention of cashing in on the midfielder in January despite talks stalling and a contract being rejected at the start of the campaign.
Asked if he was worried that Fellaini would not be here next season, Mourinho said: “Yes, I am.”
When asked if there was anything he could do to turn it around, the United boss added: “Nothing. It is a discussion between the player and the board. I am not involved in contracts, in deals. And I respect both.
Mourinho has admitted Fellaini could leave in the summer at his press conference this morning. Said Jones and Bailly still out vs Brighton.
— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) November 24, 2017
“I respect the player because the player has the right to decide his future. He finishes his contract, he has the right to decide his future, and I respect the board because the decisions and the discussions are under their control.
“So I just wait, wishing that they will have an understanding but it’s out of my control.”
Provided by Press Association Sport