Manchester United hold key to Marouane Fellaini's future says Rafael Benitez

The Napoli boss says United must decide where Fellaini heads next

Fellaini has found himself out of favour at Manchester United (GETTY IMAGES)

Rafael Benitez says that the future of Marouane Fellaini is out of his hands, after his Napoli side were linked with the midfielder.

Fellaini has found himself increasingly out of favour in Louis van Gaal's new-look Manchester United side, despite not yet having played a pre-season game.

Benitez's side have long been linked with a loan move for the Belgian, but United would prefer a sale to recoup most of the £27 million they lavished on him last summer.

The former Liverpool boss was reluctant to discuss the future of a player who, despite his apparent alienation at United remains under contract to the club.

“He's not one of our players, his future does not depend on us, but on Manchester United," said Benitez when asked about the prospect of Naploi signing Fellaini.

“I think about working with the players I have.”

Fellaini's aerial qualities could be a good fit for Benitez (GETTY IMAGES)

Van Gaal appeared to have made his mind up about Fellaini whilst the former Everton man was still in action at the World Cup.

The new Manchester United manager mentioned to his associates that Fellaini was "not a United type of player" back in July - and has not had a chance since then to see him on the pitch.