Extra Time: Fellaini shaves off his afro!

The Manchester United midfielder has cut his famous hairdo, with braids looking set to be his next trademark, and will be hoping that it brings a change of fortune in 2014-15

Marouane Fellaini has stunned Manchester United fans by shaving off his famous afro.

The Belgium midfielder, fresh from representing his country at the World Cup, underwent the shock transformation on Thursday and a picture of the result quickly did the rounds on Twitter, causing many United fans to swiftly throw away the novelty Fellaini wigs that were seen at Old Trafford in 2013-14.

How he will style his new cut is yet to be revealed, although cornrows appear to be his current preference.

It is also unknown if Fellaini was acting under orders from new boss Louis van Gaal, who may hope that the buzzcut helps the midfielder recapture the form that persuaded David Moyes to part with £27.5 million (€34.6m) to sign him from Everton.

After enduring a torrid season last term – which has led to reports that he could leave the club this summer – Fellaini will be hoping that the cut lifts a weight off his shoulders in more ways than one.