Marouane Fellaini was the subject of ironic cheers when the Belgian scored the winner in a pre-season friendly against Sevilla last August, but after turning the tide with his impressive performances last season, the former Everton midfielder who became a symbol of David Moyes’ abject failure in the Old Trafford hot seat, would be determined to make up for lost time as he prepares to win over Louis van Gaal’s trust after a silly sending off against Hull City on the final day of last season.
But making up for lost time is something the Belgian is all-too comfortable with after gradually becoming a regular fixture in the United setup with key contributions in his advanced role in midfield behind the striker. With a suspension looming over his head and with United bolstering their midfield with the £40m signings of Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger, the road ahead would be anything but a walk in the park.
Fellaini was the only senior midfield player unused in United’s win over Club America last week and may well find himself at the back of a queue of a strong midfield contingent United boast this season, particularly as a result of his moment of madness at the KC Stadium back in May when he stamped his mark on Hull’s Paul McShane which means he cannot play in the league until Aug 30 against Swansea City. The question is, with Louis van Gaal expected to play a 4-3-3 formation with Rooney as the main striker, does Marouane Fellaini have a place in the current United line up or was he just a make-do attacking midfield player who doesn’t have a place in Louis van Gaal’s future plans?
Louis van Gaal has admitted his suspension would make it harder for him to find a place in the team and it promises to be a test of Fellaini’s character and ability to force his way into a team boasting the likes of Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin, Carrick, Herrera among others. While he has overcome bigger challenges already in his two year spell at United, particularly after he seemed like an irrational deadline day signing.
With Schneiderlin or Michael Carrick expected to be deployed as the midfield enforcer, similar to Mark van Bommel’s role at Bayern during van Gaal’s time, does Marouane Fellaini have the mobility to play in a free role in a midfield three? Does he have the guile and vision in an attacking sense?
For starters, let’s rewind back to last season when Fellaini silenced his critics with his sensational performances in his No. 10 role, linking up with Juan Mata and Ashley Young with delicate touches and an eye for a pass. And then there’s his physicality, tormenting the opposition with his aerial prowess and allowing United to take control in midfield, something that was apparent in United’s rampaging 4-2 win over City or in their 2- 1 away win at Anfield when he bullied the Liverpool backline into submission and chipping in with his fair share of vital goals. Fellaini wasn’t always easy on the eye last season, but he was effective nevertheless.
And his physical prowess may allow United to dominate the midfield allowing the likes of Schweinsteiger and Herrera to bring their attacking creativity into play. Fellaini may seem like a jolly green giant at times, but there is so much more to the Belgian’s game than meets the eye. If Louis van Gaal can utilize him to the fullest, he’s a pretty decent player to have in the Premier League.