Manchester United midfielder withdraws from Belgium squad

Maraoune Fellaini has returned to Manchester United after withdrawing from the Belgium squad, the Red Devils have confirmed. 

Belgium are due to play Scotland in a friendly on Friday before kicking off their UEFA Nations League campaign against Iceland four days later.

Fellaini was drafted into Roberto Martinez’s squad for the double header but they have decided against risking the midfielder’s fitness.

The 30-year-old has endured a tough time with injuries dating back to suffering a knee injury on international duty 12 months ago.

Fellaini, who extended his United deal at the end of last season, made his first start of the campaign last weekend and was key to their 2-0 win over Burnley.

Dropping deep to shield United’s back four, Fellaini gave United a platform to build on and was a standout performer for Jose Mourinho’s side at Turf Moor.

Fellaini has only managed to start six Premier League matches since the start of last season but United have won five of those.