5 first-team players that could leave Manchester United in January

#3 Marouane Fellaini

With his contract negotiations still to commence, Fellaini is tipped for a January exit

The Belgian midfielder continues to remain a divisive figure among the Manchester United faithful and football fans alike. In the span of a few games, we are shown two contrasting facets to his game.

Fellaini can go on a run of two to three matches showing everyone why he is tailor-made for Mourinho's system at the club, and then in the following game could prove why he is such a maligned figured in the Premier League.

His lack of consistency makes his future at Old Trafford questionable. While he has been Mourinho's and even his predecessor van Gaal's go-to option when the team opts to go route one (long ball from the defence), his passing ability, the timing of challenges and overall link-up play are often not good enough.

He does have the capability to turn things in the favour of his side like he did against Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup, but such performances from him are far and few in between.

While Fellaini can still be used as a utility player at the club, at 30 years of age, the Belgian isn't an option for the future.

With his contract running out in the summer, it would make sense for United to cash in on him and invest the funds in a defensive midfielder that could be at the club for a number of years.