AC Milan have failed with a bid for Marouane Fellaini, who Louis van Gaal believes to be too important for Manchester United.
The Belgian international has had his critics since joining the Reds from Everton in the summer of 2013 for £27.5million, in what many felt was a panic buy by then manager David Moyes. He has since struggled to establish himself as a regular starter, and his presence has often been seen as fans as a sure fire sign that Louis van Gaal is adapting a long-ball game.
Milan are prepared to offer Fellaini a fresh start in Italy, with the Independent claiming they have made an approach to take him on loan for the remainder of the season. However, this bid has been rejected by van Gaal, who wants to keep the 28-year-old as an attacking option due to the lack of firepower available to him from his current first team squad.
This, many believe, is a problem brought on by the Dutchman himself. In the summer he sanctioned the sales of Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez to Fenerbahce and Bayer Leverkusen respectively, whilst James Wilson has been sent on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion, Radamel Falcao wasn’t retained, and Danny Welbeck joined Arsenal 18 months ago.
This leaves Wayne Rooney, who has been inconsistent this season despite his fine finish which sealed victory over Swansea City on Saturday, and young Anthony Martial as his options, although Will Keane has returned from a loan spell at Preston North End. It remains to be seen if Milan will return with a firm cash bid for Fellaini, who is under contract until 2018.
