Marouane Fellaini | 2013/14 Performances

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I feel one of Fellaini's better games for United, albeit against lesser opposition, was against West Ham, where he was used a box to box midfielder.

The team on paper was:

De Gea
Rafael - Smalling - Jones - Evra
Fellaini - Carrick
Mata - Rooney - Januzaj
Van Persie​

Now, from what I can remember, although Fellaini was playing as a deep midfielder, he arguably got into the box on more occasions than Rooney and Mata, who were always dropping off and starting the play off for us, while Januzaj kept the width, hoping to swing some crosses in for the oncoming Fellaini. This was an obvious plan that was deployed by Moyes at the time. It was as though he was bypassing play and just getting into the box, although he was our highest passer (72) in that game. When we lost the ball however, Fellaini always got back into position beside Carrick.

So in that game Fellaini was used as a box to box midfielder - the position Belgium often play him in. However, I'm still on the fence as to whether, if we're are going to use Fellaini next season, where I would play him out, which would be either in front of the back four as a defensive enforcer, or a box to box midfielder.

I think if we're going to use him as a box to box midfielder, we'll need a dynamic ball player next to him - basically a more dynamic Carrick next to him. By doing this, we'd hopefully be less susceptible to counters. It'd also mean Fellaini can have the freedom to get into the box, where he can be a threat, knowing that he's got someone to quick across the ground to cover him. We'd also need a winger - similar to how Mata played/plays for us on the wing (cutting into the middle and starting play) - which will compensate for Fellaini's forward movement into the box.

I personally hope Fellaini gets given a chance under Van Gaal, whether this be as a holding midfielder or box to box midfielder. He's a lot better on the ball than people give him credit for, and with a more free flowing Van Gaal system, with more movement off the ball - just like he was at Everton under Martinez, we could just see some better performances from Marouane next season.



EDIT:

I meant West Brom not West Ham.​
 
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People should take nothing from the Fellaini performance. He was simply doing what he used to do for Everton by getting in and around the box to provide a focal point for long balls and crosses. I would have been far more encourged if he didn't score but put in a dynamic midfield performances where he broke up play and passed the ball well. He's a good plan b but thats as far as it should go for his Utd career.
 
Walters_19_MuFc said:
I feel one of Fellaini's better games for United, albeit against lesser opposition, was against West Ham, where he was used a box to box midfielder.

The team on paper was:

De Gea
Rafael - Smalling - Jones - Evra
Fellaini - Carrick
Mata - Rooney - Januzaj
Van Persie​

Now, from what I can remember, although Fellaini was playing as a deep midfielder, he arguably got into the box on more occasions than Rooney and Mata, who were always dropping off and starting the play off for us, while Januzaj kept the width, hoping to swing some crosses in for the oncoming Fellaini. This was an obvious plan that was deployed by Moyes at the time. It was as though he was bypassing play and just getting into the box, although he was our highest passer (72) in that game. When we lost the ball however, Fellaini always got back into position beside Carrick.

So in that game Fellaini was used as a box to box midfielder - the position Belgium often play him in. However, I'm still on the fence as to whether, if we're are going to use Fellaini next season, where I would play him out, which would be either in front of the back four as a defensive enforcer, or a box to box midfielder.

I think if we're going to use him as a box to box midfielder, we'll need a dynamic ball player next to him - basically a more dynamic Carrick next to him. By doing this, we'd hopefully be less susceptible to counters. It'd also mean Fellaini can have the freedom to get into the box, where he can be a threat, knowing that he's got someone to quick across the ground to cover him. We'd also need a winger - similar to how Mata played/plays for us on the wing (cutting into the middle and starting play) - which will compensate for Fellaini's forward movement into the box.

I personally hope Fellaini gets given a chance under Van Gaal, whether this be as a holding midfielder or box to box midfielder. He's a lot better on the ball than people give him credit for, and with a more free flowing Van Gaal system, with more movement off the ball - just like he was at Everton under Martinez, we could just see some better performances from Marouane next season.​
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Good post. The general consensus that is most apparent is the squad needs an actual ball winner regardless of whether we keep the same core of players (DF/MC/MF/TC/A). There is a question mark over the defensive abilities of every single player in that group. We're in the corner in the fact that we have so many number 10's and not a solid defensive platform for them to operate. I don't really care who we sign until we sign a proper first team ball winning midfielder. Until then I'll be very wary having MF/DF/MC as the first choice. There just isn't a suitable string of combinations to operate. Carrick breaks every combo with his lack of mobility, Fletcher can't be relied on and Fellaini probably with the most credit defensively there has to improve his confidence and grow as a player to make any significant impact.
 
Doesn't change my view at all. Crazy how people change their view over one performance or one moment. I am happy for him, a great thrill it would be to score in a World Cup and he is still our player so he has my backing but I can't see a positive future for him at Old Trafford.
 
goldenstatesplash said:
It was a bloody good header though.
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No doubting that at all. But it's unbelievable how he can manage such a good finish from a header like that, yet fail so miserably time and time again directing a two metre pass with his head at Old Trafford.
 
Oneunited26 said:
Ashley young for 17 million was not a far worse signing than djemba and kleberson combined? even though young is on 120k a week, and cost the club 17 million, what was both the former on? Djemba cost the club a transfer fee of 3 million, yea that is the worst signing ever lol.
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Yes because I'll actually judge a player by his footballing ability and not his wages, I'm not the club treasurer, are you?
 
Orton said:
Like Andy Carroll? Remember him?
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He's a far better player than Andy Carroll. Not only did he not suit what Rodgers wanted to implement at Liverpool, but he wasn't good enough either. Fellaini is easily good enough to be a squad player here, but rather he'll ever suit us is another story altogether.
 
Walters_19_MuFc said:
I feel one of Fellaini's better games for United, albeit against lesser opposition, was against West Ham, where he was used a box to box midfielder.

The team on paper was:

De Gea
Rafael - Smalling - Jones - Evra
Fellaini - Carrick
Mata - Rooney - Januzaj
Van Persie​

Now, from what I can remember, although Fellaini was playing as a deep midfielder, he arguably got into the box on more occasions than Rooney and Mata, who were always dropping off and starting the play off for us, while Januzaj kept the width, hoping to swing some crosses in for the oncoming Fellaini. This was an obvious plan that was deployed by Moyes at the time. It was as though he was bypassing play and just getting into the box, although he was our highest passer (72) in that game. When we lost the ball however, Fellaini always got back into position beside Carrick.

So in that game Fellaini was used as a box to box midfielder - the position Belgium often play him in. However, I'm still on the fence as to whether, if we're are going to use Fellaini next season, where I would play him out, which would be either in front of the back four as a defensive enforcer, or a box to box midfielder.

I think if we're going to use him as a box to box midfielder, we'll need a dynamic ball player next to him - basically a more dynamic Carrick next to him. By doing this, we'd hopefully be less susceptible to counters. It'd also mean Fellaini can have the freedom to get into the box, where he can be a threat, knowing that he's got someone to quick across the ground to cover him. We'd also need a winger - similar to how Mata played/plays for us on the wing (cutting into the middle and starting play) - which will compensate for Fellaini's forward movement into the box.

I personally hope Fellaini gets given a chance under Van Gaal, whether this be as a holding midfielder or box to box midfielder. He's a lot better on the ball than people give him credit for, and with a more free flowing Van Gaal system, with more movement off the ball - just like he was at Everton under Martinez, we could just see some better performances from Marouane next season.​
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It is a good post and I agree with all of it, however, is it really apt to bring Everton performances into it given he only played a couple of times under Martinez ?
 
Stobzilla said:
It is a good post and I agree with all of it, however, is it really apt to bring Everton performances into it given he only played a couple of times under Martinez ?
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I'd say so, ye. You know what they say about first impressions. The fact he played well in the 3 appearances he had in the deeper role for Everton shows us that some of Fellaini's poor performances may have come from a lack of confidence and the type of football we played, at times.

From what I see, Martinez's philosophy is very similar to Van Gaal's, in the way they like to play out from the back, have constant movement and options off the ball, play quick, incisive passing, etc. Granted it was only for 3 appearances, if Fellaini can continue where he left in that type of system, then I see no reason why he can't blossom under Van Gaal.
 
Walters_19_MuFc said:
I'd say so, ye. You know what they say about first impressions. The fact he played well in the 3 appearances he had in the deeper role for Everton shows us that some of Fellaini's poor performances may have come from a lack of confidence and the type of football we played, at times.

From what I see, Martinez's philosophy is very similar to Van Gaal's, in the way they like to play out from the back, have constant movement and options off the ball, play quick, incisive passing, etc. Granted it was only for 3 appearances, if Fellaini can continue where he left in that type of system, then I see no reason why he can't blossom under Van Gaal.
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good point well made.
 
Fellaini was poor for us last season, nothing can detract or change that. But, many a player has struggled in their first season at a big club regardless of PL experience. The reason I hold out for some hope under Fellaini is his Everton performances.

I know some will say Everton played different football and Fellaini was used differently and I agree with that. However it's more the soft skills I'm referring to, such as his energy. His determination to be involved in play, and his ability to be a pain in the backside in general. He lacked all of that last season but those skills are more than just what system you play. He lacked confidence.

Many a player has come to United and been shit, and stayed shit. So that could equally be a possibility. But I won't just turn my back on a united player that easily, never have never will. While we still pay his wages and he wears our colours I'll always hold hope. That being said, I always backed Anderson for a long time so probably best not to listen to me :lol:
 
I'm not as down on Fellaini as some are here but he's obviously more of a target man than he is a polished midfielder. We've seen that over and over from him, including yesterday.

As for his performances under Martinez last summer, he looked lethargic almost to the point of complete indifference. Maybe his head was fooked from all the United transfer talk but whatever the reason, you can't draw any insights into his ability from the few matches he later under Martinez.
 
Was pleased to see him make such an impact on the game but yesterday told us nothing about whether Fellaini has any future at United. Which is a pity.

I'm still clinging to the faint hope that his abject displays last season were part of the same affliction that affected so many other players in our squad, of proven quality. Was really hoping that a run of games for Belgium in central midfield - as part of an effective team playing good football - would mean we can see whether or not he might be a useful player for us. Very frustrating to see Belgium playing poorly, then Fellaini thrown in as a target man. It's a role he's good at but not one which will get him many games at United. That and Januzaj not getting any minutes made watching Belgium a bit of a pain in the hoop. Was really looking forward to that game too. Bah humbug.
 
He was poor last season, whether it be because he's just shit or hasn't adjusted to United. We'll see what LVG can do with him.
 
Fellaini did really well for Belgium's first goal, but he was actually pretty hopeless in the build-up to their second. They scored in spite of him as much as anything.

 
Dante said:
Fellaini did really well for Belgium's first goal, but he was actually pretty hopeless in the build-up to their second. They scored in spite of him as much as anything.

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He wasn't involved at all, so not sure how you can call him hopeless for the build up in the second goal. You've got him mixed up with Witsel.
 
Acole9 said:
Why can't he play like that for us!!!
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Probably because we'd be loathe to hoof it up to Fellaini. We don't play like that. Even Moyes who set his Everton team up like that on occasions wouldn't do it here.
 
Someone mentioned he offers a Plan B! and that alone makes this pointless debate about 'should he be sold or not' redudant.

Unless another club makes a bid, then it would be world discussing.
 
Marouane Fellaini praised by Belgium players
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/18/world-cup-marouane-fellaini-belgium

Jan Vertonghen, the Tottenham Hotspur defender who gave away the first-half penalty that handed Algeria the lead, said Fellaini was “very important” to the national side.

“I know there has been a lot of pressure on him from the fans in England but in Belgium he always does well and scores goals,” said Vertonghen. “I’m very pleased for him and I gave him a little hug after the game because I know that goal meant a lot to him.

“Marouane is a very cool guy. The pressure doesn’t really bother him too much. We know how to use him and I don’t know whether they do in his other team.”

Belgium’s captain Vincent Kompany said Fellaini’s qualities had always been apparent in a national shirt.

“Fellaini is a terrific player and any player in his first season at a new club, it can be tough. You have to grant players a couple of seasons before you can judge someone. For us, with Belgium, he has been doing it time and time again. Players like Dries Mertens as well are our weapons coming off the bench.”

Fellaini, who was the only major incoming transfer at Old Trafford last summer but faces an uncertain future under United’s new manager Louis van Gaal, said that Belgium’s substitutes had made a “big impact” on the game. Marc Wilmots introduced Mertens, who scored the winner, at half-time and Fellaini 20 minutes into the second half.

“Everyone knows we have good players, we have a good team, but for the first 30 minutes, we were just so nervous, there was too much stress. I think that is normal for the first World Cup together but in the second half we showed the character of Belgium and we played very well,” he said.

“It was a great goal, it was great for me and for the team. It’s not been the best season for me but football is like this. It is a boost for the confidence of the Belgian team. Algeria made it so tough, but we showed our character and ability.”
 
Rood said:
“Marouane is a very cool guy. The pressure doesn’t really bother him too much. We know how to use him and I don’t know whether they do in his other team.”
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Not according to the armchair committee on the caf!

with fingers in their ears the caf nutters have said:
lalalalala shit on a stick long ball knockdown merchant sell him to Stoke or the Hammers! lalalalalalalala
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Can he be (in his own words) a Roy Keane for us (in terms of dependability rather than quality)? I don't know. But he should be nowhere near the no.10 position, even as a very expensive plan B.

Lets hope he scores a couple more. It will only add £m to what teams will offer. Even if we aren't selling him, its nice to have inflated offers for once.
 
Rood said:
Marouane Fellaini praised by Belgium players
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/18/world-cup-marouane-fellaini-belgium

Jan Vertonghen, the Tottenham Hotspur defender who gave away the first-half penalty that handed Algeria the lead, said Fellaini was “very important” to the national side.

“I know there has been a lot of pressure on him from the fans in England but in Belgium he always does well and scores goals,” said Vertonghen. “I’m very pleased for him and I gave him a little hug after the game because I know that goal meant a lot to him.

“Marouane is a very cool guy. The pressure doesn’t really bother him too much. We know how to use him and I don’t know whether they do in his other team.”

Belgium’s captain Vincent Kompany said Fellaini’s qualities had always been apparent in a national shirt.

“Fellaini is a terrific player and any player in his first season at a new club, it can be tough. You have to grant players a couple of seasons before you can judge someone. For us, with Belgium, he has been doing it time and time again. Players like Dries Mertens as well are our weapons coming off the bench.”

Fellaini, who was the only major incoming transfer at Old Trafford last summer but faces an uncertain future under United’s new manager Louis van Gaal, said that Belgium’s substitutes had made a “big impact” on the game. Marc Wilmots introduced Mertens, who scored the winner, at half-time and Fellaini 20 minutes into the second half.

“Everyone knows we have good players, we have a good team, but for the first 30 minutes, we were just so nervous, there was too much stress. I think that is normal for the first World Cup together but in the second half we showed the character of Belgium and we played very well,” he said.

“It was a great goal, it was great for me and for the team. It’s not been the best season for me but football is like this. It is a boost for the confidence of the Belgian team. Algeria made it so tough, but we showed our character and ability.”
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yep. They know how to use him alright. From the bench.
 
We're not going to get massive offers for MF, mates. We either let him go for dirt cheap or we use him as an impact squad player. There's no fukkin way Louis will build the squad around him.
 
Dante said:
Fellaini did really well for Belgium's first goal, but he was actually pretty hopeless in the build-up to their second. They scored in spite of him as much as anything.

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That's Witsel.
 
A good but not great player who, when employed in a way that utilises his skills by a team that plays football that suits him, will do a good job. That's how it was for him at Everton, how it is with Belgium, and how it will probabaly be at his next club because it won't happen at United.
 
Barca84 said:
A good but not great player who, when employed in a way that utilises his skills by a team that plays football that suits him, will do a good job. That's how it was for him at Everton, how it is with Belgium, and how it will probabaly be at his next club because it won't happen at United.
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Not true at all.

He is not a world class player but on his day he can be absolutely unplayable. You are describing him as a squad player who can be decent on his day. The guy just had a rough first season. He was a key player for Everton and that wasn't only in his number 10 role. He was compared to Cleverly last season when he's miles better than him.

He'll come good for us. I know it.
 
shamans said:
Not true at all.

He is not a world class player but on his day he can be absolutely unplayable. You are describing him as a squad player who can be decent on his day. The guy just had a rough first season. He was a key player for Everton and that wasn't only in his number 10 role. He was compared to Cleverly last season when he's miles better than him.

He'll come good for us. I know it.
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I certainly haven't described him as a squad player. I've stated he can do a good job somewhere and thought he might do well for us. He was beyond dreadful though.

You must think he's the kind of player LVG likes to employ if you fancy him to come good but on what your basing that I'm not sure?
 
Rood said:
Marouane Fellaini praised by Belgium players
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/18/world-cup-marouane-fellaini-belgium

Jan Vertonghen, the Tottenham Hotspur defender who gave away the first-half penalty that handed Algeria the lead, said Fellaini was “very important” to the national side.

“I know there has been a lot of pressure on him from the fans in England but in Belgium he always does well and scores goals,” said Vertonghen. “I’m very pleased for him and I gave him a little hug after the game because I know that goal meant a lot to him.

“Marouane is a very cool guy. The pressure doesn’t really bother him too much. We know how to use him and I don’t know whether they do in his other team.”

Belgium’s captain Vincent Kompany said Fellaini’s qualities had always been apparent in a national shirt.

“Fellaini is a terrific player and any player in his first season at a new club, it can be tough. You have to grant players a couple of seasons before you can judge someone. For us, with Belgium, he has been doing it time and time again. Players like Dries Mertens as well are our weapons coming off the bench.”

Fellaini, who was the only major incoming transfer at Old Trafford last summer but faces an uncertain future under United’s new manager Louis van Gaal, said that Belgium’s substitutes had made a “big impact” on the game. Marc Wilmots introduced Mertens, who scored the winner, at half-time and Fellaini 20 minutes into the second half.

“Everyone knows we have good players, we have a good team, but for the first 30 minutes, we were just so nervous, there was too much stress. I think that is normal for the first World Cup together but in the second half we showed the character of Belgium and we played very well,” he said.

“It was a great goal, it was great for me and for the team. It’s not been the best season for me but football is like this. It is a boost for the confidence of the Belgian team. Algeria made it so tough, but we showed our character and ability.”
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Agree with that bit.
 
shamans said:
Not true at all.

He is not a world class player but on his day he can be absolutely unplayable. You are describing him as a squad player who can be decent on his day. The guy just had a rough first season. He was a key player for Everton and that wasn't only in his number 10 role. He was compared to Cleverly last season when he's miles better than him.

He'll come good for us. I know it.
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On what day is he unplayable? It's never a match day. People base this on him having 1 or 2 great games against Utd but that doesn't mean he's good enough for Utd.

I'm sure if we played Fellaini behind the striker and lumped the ball up to him he'd have a much better season than the last one. Maybe even score a few goals. But he's not good enough to build an entire system around, he's best in a more advanced role but we have better players than him in that position.

I don't like to be so negative about a Utd player but I just can't see how he'll be a success here.
 
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