The Belgian player has gone from his own fans booing him to become one of the Jose Mourinho’s favourite players. Has Fellaini been able to redeem his career at Old Trafford?
Mourinho Comments on the Importance of Fellaini
When it comes to the question of how vital Fellaini is to the Manchester United team, Mourinho makes no bones about it, and has said in the past that he is staying put. He reaffirmed this now, stating on Monday afternoon that the player’s importance could not be overestimated. He didn’t know, at that point, whether it would be possible for Fellaini to play in the Tuesday return to Champions League for Man United, against Basel, and said that he felt weaker without Fellaini, and whether he was on the bench or on the pitch he was most needed.
Fellaini Has Long Been Criticised
In the four years that Fellaini has been at Old Trafford, he has been mocked, jeered, and booed, but very rarely, if ever, has he been needed. The most frequently criticism aimed at the player was that he was simply not a Manchester United player, and he has regularly been said to be an icon of the post-Ferguson era.
Of course, the fact that he seemed to have a penchant for elbowing his opponents in the face did not sit well with supporters, and his relatively poor technically ability added to a generalised dislike. It’s almost certain that any punters who had enjoyed placing bets for and against Man United turned to other sports and sought out AFL betting tips and tennis wagers instead, such was his unpopularity!
When David Moyes arrived, at the point in time that Man United urgently need to address year’s’ worth of neglect in the midfield centre, he was their sole signing in that position, and did not fit the mould Peter Scholes had created.
That Fellaini Lasted until Mourinho is a Miracle
It is actually rather remarkable that the Belgian player lasted long enough to be able to work with Mourinho. Yet, since the Portuguese coach has been appointed, things have started looking up for Fellaini. Although he stays on the first team’s fringe, and is still some way off of becoming a more established regular, Mourinho appears to genuinely like him. This seems to be partly because of the particular set of skills the player brings to the field, but is more probably due to the dignified manner in which he has responded to the insults hurled at him.
Pivotal Play from Marouane Fellaini
The Belgian player has gone from his own fans booing him to become one of the Jose Mourinho’s favourite players. Has Fellaini been able to redeem his career at Old Trafford?
Tuesday night, when Manchester United’s final Old Trafford European Campaign ended with yet another goal from Fellaini, the new one begun with another! The faultless header which the Belgian delivered towards the final part of the first half of the game turned the Man United dominance over Basel into a real advantage.
