Fellaini cuts famous locks

Brussels (AFP) - Marouane Fellaini endured a tough first season at Manchester United but the midfielder was always one of the most recognisable players on the pitch thanks to his dark flowing afro.

However the Belgium international, who was on Thursday pictured at a hair salon in Brussels sporting a much shorter look, won't stand out quite as much this season after lopping off his famous locks.

Fellaini had reportedly claimed he would cut his hair if Belgium won the World Cup in Brazil, but despite the Red Devils' quarter-final exit, he has still followed through with his pledge.

The haircut prompted plenty of responses on Twitter with one user in particular posting: "Once an average player with a great haircut. Now? Well..."

Fellaini made 21 appearances for United last season following his £27.5 million ($45 million, 33.2 million euro) move from Everton but failed to score a single goal as the club finished a disappointing seventh in the English Premier League.

His future at Old Trafford has come under heavy speculation this summer with Dutchman Louis van Gaal, who steered the Netherlands to the World Cup semi-finals, having taken over from David Moyes, who was a staunch supporter of Fellaini despite the Belgian's struggles.