Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Man Utd transfer news: McManaman was told plans during Champions League final
STEVE MCMANAMAN has revealed he spoke to Marouane Fellaini at the Champions League final in May - and knew the midfielder would stay at Manchester United.
Fellaini signed a new two-year contract at Manchester United on Friday.
The Belgian’s Old Trafford deal was set to expire at the end of June and he would have been available on a free transfer.
An offer had been on the table for the majority of 2018 but he waited until Friday before putting pen to paper.
But McManaman says after speaking to Fellaini at the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool on May 26, it was clear he would stay at United.
I asked him what he was doing in the future and the impression I got there and then was he was going to stay at United
“I spoke to him at the Champions League final actually,” he said on ESPN FC.
“He was there, even though there was thousands and thousands of Liverpool fans there.
“I asked him what he was doing in the future and the impression I got there and then was he was going to stay at United.”
McManaman believes Fellaini is key for United and their current style of play.
Arsenal have 'dodged a bullet' by not signing Fellaini says fan
“I think he’s an important player for United and I think the way Manchester United play is awful considering their history” he added.
“But he’s an important member and he’s scored important goals at important times last season for them.”
Fellaini made 23 appearances for United last season, scoring five goals.