Statistic proves why Marouane Fellaini is actually crucial to Manchester United this season

Marouane Fellaini impressed for Manchester United against Bournemouth. (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United fans might need to put their issues with Marouane Fellaini to one side for the foreseeable future.

The big Belgian midfielder has battled the United purists who believe that the gangly, aggressive and sometimes erratically clumsy footballing style of Fellaini isn’t befitting to the legacy that Sir Alex Ferguson built at Old Trafford.

Signed by David Moyes and used regularly by Louis van Gaal, Fellaini became the scapegoat for the frustrated Manchester United fans to vent their frustration having seen the prestige of the Premier League’s most successful club slip away in recent seasons.

‘With Fellaini I always have the feeling that he was not loved by the general Red people,’ new manager Jose Mourinho told MUTV.

‘But, if he plays like he’s playing now, they have to love him because he’s being so important for us,’ he added.

After Jose Mourinho guided his team to an opening day victory over Bournemouth, Fellaini was chosen to start the game alongside Ander Herrera and the 28-year-old certainly took his chance:

Marouane Fellaini misplaced just 1 of the 76 passes he attempted vs. Bournemouth – 98.7% completion rate. pic.twitter.com/wW5XSBYlwf

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 14, 2016

‘It was a tough game for both sides,’ Fellaini told MUTV. ‘Bournemouth played well in the first half. In the second half we kept the ball better and created more chances and more possibilities for ourselves. We took those chances and got the win which was good for us,’ the Belgian added.

‘I hope we will see more goals this season but we have to keep working and keep improving every game and every session. The manager is helping bring this feeling of aggression and character that we need to win games which is very important.

‘We have to improve every game if we want to do something well this season and we want to prove to everyone that Man United are back.

Fellaini putting himself about against Bournemouth. (Picture: Getty)

Fellaini excited about playing alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic. (Picture: Getty)

‘The new guys are good and bring quality,’ Fellaini added when discussing the new signings. ‘Zlatan had one chance and got one goal which is good for us. Bailly was strong defensively and in the Premier League we need that and we hope he can continue like that.

‘Like everybody, I want to start so I’m happy to start today and show my quality and show the manager what I can do.’

Read the Original