A large number of Manchester United supporters have been left scratching their heads at the news that the club have triggered Marouane Fellaini’s option of a one-year contract extension.

The Mirror reports that the decision to keep the midfielder at Old Trafford until 2018 was made last month.

The 29-year-old is not regarded as a fan favourite, with many thinking that the Belgian international can be a liability on the pitch.

Evidence of that came last month when he gave away a late penalty against his former club Everton shortly after coming on as a substitute.

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However, manager Jose Mourinho deems him good enough to be part of his squad, and the Portuguese coach demonstrated his admiration for Fellaini by hugging him on the touchline following his goal in United’s 2-0 win over Hull City in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final earlier this week.

The midfielder is likely to only have a bit-part role as six of his 15 appearances in the Premier League this season have come off the substitutes bench.

Fellaini was brought to Old Trafford by David Moyes in a £27.5m deal from Everton in 2013, and even though he has largely failed to impress, he has had the backing of three managers - Moyes, Louis van Gaal and now Mourinho.

Some fans are willing to give the midfielder a chance, but the majority are stunned that Fellaini has been allowed to extend his stay at the club.

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