Marouane Fellaini Is An Important Part Of Manchester United Set-Up And His Performance Against Middlesbrough Showed Us Why
No player has attracted more ire and criticism from the fans in recent times at Manchester United, than Marouane Fellaini. The Belgian arrived in the summer of 2013, in the much-maligned David Moyes era and has ever since found himself under fire.
The 29-year old was nothing more than a fringe player under Moyes and then under Louis Van Gaal and was widely tipped to leave Old Trafford ahead of this season. But contrary to popular belief, the big and burly Belgian was kept in the team by new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese revealed early in the season that he had spoken to the player during his Euro 2016 campaign with Belgium and had told him that he remains a crucial part of the plans for the upcoming season. And the confidence shown by the manager showed on the pitch, with Fellaini impressing in his first few games earlier in the season.
However, an unfortunate injury and Ander Herrera’s emergence as one of the best midfielders in the league saw his involvement reduce over the course of the season. But he kept chipping in with a few decent cameos and had scored a couple of goals in the cup ties for United.
And on Sunday afternoon, when he got a rare start in the Premier League against Middlesbrough, owing to Paul Pogba’s injury and Herrera’s suspension, Fellaini made it count. Operating alongside Michael Carrick in the middle of the park, Fellaini made full use of his physical prowess against Boro.
With Manchester United knocking the doors, Victor Valdes stood tall in the Boro goal, denying young striker Marcus Rashford on two occasions. It is no secret that United have struggled for goals this season and after some time it seemed like the match would follow a similar script at the Riverside Stadium. But, at the half-hour mark, Fellaini stepped up for his team and headed home the opener for the Red Devils from an Ashley Young cross, following a very intelligent run to the back post.
It acted as the springboard for United and put them in the driver’s seat and despite some heroic fight by the Teeside club, Mourinho’s men came out 3-1 winners. Fellaini may not have been spectacular, but his physicality gave United a strong presence on the pitch. The Belgian midfielder attempted a match-high 12 aerial duels and came out on top on seven occasions.
The 29-year old also added some much-needed tenacity in the middle of the park, as he attempted 10 tackles on the day, winning 40% of those challenges. He also made 2 vital clearances from within his box, while also making one block. Passing has never been a strong suite of his game, and it was visible on Sunday with him finding his intended targets with just 73% accuracy from his 41 attempted passes.
Fellaini, in his spell at United, has chipped in with crucial goals time and again for his team. And he did it once again on Sunday afternoon against Middlesbrough. He may not be adored by the fans, he may not be appreciated, but Fellaini continues to defy the odds and shows he still is of value to Mourinho and Manchester United.
Stats are taken from Squawka.com