Turns out Jose Mourinho really liked that hug.
One day after reports from Belgium claimed that Marouane Fellaini had been offered an obscene wage, greater than the £300,000 a week being given to his international teammate Axel Witsel, to go and play in China, ESPN are claiming that the big Belgian will have his current deal at Old Trafford extended by 12 months if he accepts the offer.
Fellaini has had to settle for a role from the bench as Manchester United have found a system that works without him, and his limited playing time saw him make a mistake against Everton that saw him booed at Old Trafford, but Jose Mourinho has always defended his corner as he remained adamant that Fellaini had, and has, a role to play at Old Trafford.
Fellaini's contract was not due to expire until the next of next season, but a 12-month extension would see him tied to the club until 2019.
Manchester United have secured Marouane Fellaini to a lengthened contract at Old Trafford after triggering the club's option of a 12-month extension to his current deal.
Senior figures at United and sources close to the player have confirmed to ESPN FC that Fellaini, a £27.5 million signing from Everton in August 2013, signed the contract last month after being reassured by manager Jose Mourinho that he remained an important figure in his plans.
On the face of it, the celebration against Hull appeared to show us how much Fellaini appreciates the support shown in him by Jose, and the complete transformation in the squad's confidence in their manager, but this news would suggest that the hug was also a direct thank you from Fellaini for informing him that the club would not be entertaining any offers for his transfer.
This news will be met with a roll of the eyes by many Man United fans, as while booing him at a home match was way too far, there are still valid concerns any time Fellaini plays as you're never sure what you are going to get.
When he's used properly, he's a useful player, and Mourinho clearly wants him to be part of his squad, so those fans who want him gone will have to wait a good while yet. He's certainly not going to China this transfer window.
