MANCHESTER, Sporting Alert – Despite being heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford, Jose Mourinho says Marouane Fellaini is a key member of his squad and will play a vital part for Manchester United this season.
Fellaini, who was bought by former Red Devils boss David Moyes from Everton in 2013, hasn’t been able to kick on with his career at Manchester United, but Mourinho, who was very impressed with the Belgian outing on Sunday, reveals that the midfielder will not be sold.
Mourinho admits that although Fellaini has not been the most favourite player among Man United supporters, if he can continue to perform like the way he did against Bournemouth in the club’s 3-1 victory in its English Premier League opener, the fans will have no other alternative but to love him.
“With Fellaini I always have the feeling that he was not loved by the general Red people,” Mourinho said on www.manutd.com.
“But, if he plays like he’s playing now, they have to love him because he’s being so important for us.”
Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the goals to give Mourinho a winning start in the EPL at Old Trafford and Fellaini, who played 90 minutes against both Bournemouth and Leicester City in the Community Shield, was also delighted with his contributions.
“It was a tough game for both sides,” the 28-year-old said on www.manutd.com. “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.
“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.”
He was also full of praise for the new players, including defender Eric Bailly, who was named Man of the Match and striker Ibrahimovic.
“The new guys are good and bring quality,” Fellaini added. “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.”
Manchester United will return to English Premier League action on Friday night against Southampton at Old Trafford.
For more information visit Man United official website
