Why Manchester United Should Not Let Marouane Fellaini Leave The Club
Manchester United’s Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini was linked with a move away from Man Utd last summer and that did not go through. With the winter window fast approaching, the former Everton man is being linked with an exit once more, but should United let him go?
Marouane Fellaini belongs to one of those rare breeds of footballers who are often used as a scapegoat for any shortcomings in the team. Yet he continues to work relentlessly for the same team anyway. During his time at Manchester United so far, the Belgian has seen extremes of hatred as well as admiration. Of course, there is the usual sense of animosity from fans of rival clubs but Fellaini has been subjected to a lot of criticism and even hate, from the United fans. However, the player has managed to rise above them all and come back stronger.
The turning point for him came when the Red Devils beat Crystal Palace 4-0. Considering the vast difference between both clubs in the points table, the victory did not come as much of a surprise. However, Fellaini’s name on the score sheet; not once but twice, told a story of its own. It was his first brace for the club and it came after a period of what was arguably his worst time at Old Trafford.
He arrived at United when David Moyes was in charge of the club. Although his initial performances were solid enough, Fellaini failed to establish himself in the hearts of the Old Trafford faithful. The main reason behind Red Devil fans not approving of him was his style of football. At Goodison Park, the £10.8m rated Fellaini was renowned for his raw impact on the game but United is a club where it is of utmost necessity to play attractive and entertaining football above everything else.
However, the player started to slowly win them over once Louis van Gaal took charge. The Dutchman deployed him closer to the goal unlike his predecessor and that allowed Fellaini to showcase the best of his skills. Although fans were warming up to him, they were still not happy and expected him to leave once Jose Mourinho took charge – and yet, the unexpected happened.
The otherwise ruthless Portuguese manager identified what Fellaini can provide to the team and decided to back him – a decision which is now paying dividends. Mourinho’s direct approach to the game makes Fellaini a solid fit. His true brilliance shone through when he effortlessly took the club to great heights even when key player Paul Pogba succumbed to an injury. The true impact Fellaini made at the club was all the more apparent once he himself sustained a knock.
That said, the player is back and continues to be vital at Old Trafford. United definitely need a midfielder like Fellaini who is strong at what he does. It would truly be a mistake to let a warrior like him leave the club.