It has been 5 long years for many Manchester United fans since David Moyes made the what some may call ‘Panic buy’ Marouane Fellaini from Everton back in summer 2013. And fans were almost certain he would be out the door once Jose Mourhino arrived at Old Trafford in 2016. But actually, he’s been a very big and important factor in the Portuguese’s System for Man Utd having recently pinned him down for at least another two years at Manchester United. It seemed to be the most important signing for him this past summer I must say. although he isn’t considered ‘World Class’ nor ‘a Manchester united player’ and probably never will be even if he goes on to win countless trophies, my question is..
is the criticism that the Big Belgian gets really all that fair?
My answer would be NO!
image from egypttoday |
He’s played his part when called upon not only for his club but also for his country! As we saw during the 2018 World Cup when he came on as a substitute being 2-0 down to Japan & equalized with a header to make it 2-2. there are reasons why he was wanted by many clubs while his contract was running down and why Roberto Martinez selects him for his national team.
After two straight defeats by Brighton & Spurs, Fellaini was named into the starting Xl against Burnley & many fans were upset and saying Jose has gone into Panic mode after 2 back to back defeats. But Mourhino and Fellaini proved the critics wrong once again by getting it right and by playing his part during the game, breaking up plays and covering Matic at times.
Fellaini was the deepest midfielder on the United side and went even as far back as to play in a back 3 it seemed. Here’s something you may of missed too, Fellaini won 100% of his tackles, six clearances and seven aerial duels in the Burnley game, definitely played more than his part right? And it allowed the Manchester United forwards to get forward and do their job as forwards!
image from Mirror |
Fellaini is Manchester United ‘Plan B’ whether it’s attacking or defending, he is basically their go to man! He also came up big in other important matches and most recently vs Arsenal when he came into the game and headed home a winner to end Arsenal & Wenger’s last Old Trafford game as an Arsenal manager.
And honestly, it seems we play much more comfortable with him in the starting eleven.
As much criticism he gets from the Manchester United fans and outside the Manchester United fan base, he continues to answer his critics and has proven he is the man for big occasions and as long as he wants to be here and show his worth, I will continue to back him and I think that is the least the Manchester United fan base should do.