That sort of performence will do well for us if we get into Europe next season. Having options like him is invaluable.
27
Season Average Rating
- Appearances
- 31
- Goals
- 7
- Assists
- 2
- Yellow cards
- 7
- Red cards
- 1
- Status
Brilliant, fecking brilliant!!
Another really good performance. Another nail in the coffin of the redcafe myth that he can only play as a target man.
This doesn't usually happen with us. What's supposed to happen is that he got sold in the summer for £5m or less and started putting in these performances for someone else.
This makes it all the better.
This makes it all the better.
He allows our more technically brilliant players to get on the ball more. He's absolutely vital to how we're playing right now.
It's nice to see him played in the position that earned him the transfer in the first place. Last season trying to shoehorn him into a defensive midfield role, or a square bank of two was awful to watch. He's clearly at his most dangerous peeling onto opposition defenders and playing between their midfield and defence.
I also like the fact that we aren't just aimlessly lumping it up to him anymore. We are playing shorter 30-35 yard passes up to him, which he can pluck out of the air or flick on, rather than the 50-60 yard lumps from central defence we were attempting earlier in the season. Carrick is vital in this respect.
I also like the fact that we aren't just aimlessly lumping it up to him anymore. We are playing shorter 30-35 yard passes up to him, which he can pluck out of the air or flick on, rather than the 50-60 yard lumps from central defence we were attempting earlier in the season. Carrick is vital in this respect.
There are a lot of United fans eating huimble pie with regards to this man. I am one of them. I defended him for ages and then gave up and called for him to be sold. I am made up that many of us have been proven wrong and he looks the part. There are other players i'd have over him, but right now he is more than doing a good job and I enjoy watching him play. Congrats Mr F!
Last edited:
This.
He's been in or around that level for nearly the whole season. We should buy players that destroy us more often. Ronaldo is another one that comes to mind.
Last edited:
Incredible the way he's found himself in this false 10 / false left-winger / false midfielder hybrid... who knew that was a position?
Crucial part of the cog that has helped turn around our season. He contributed to the grinding out of results when the football wasn't pretty and then these last few weeks with the new system he's been vital.
I just think we have a really well balanced front 5/6 right now. Carrick, Herrera, Mata, Fellaini and Rooney with Young (current form) and Di Maria (if/when he turns his form around) just all compliment each other really well and it's promising to watch.
Invest in the defence and add another wide player and we've already got a team capable of challenging in my opinion. Doesn't require a 'huge' overhaul in the summer, which in my opinion will disrupt things too much. 1/2 starters and then 1/2 squad options/young players to develop is all it needs.
I just think we have a really well balanced front 5/6 right now. Carrick, Herrera, Mata, Fellaini and Rooney with Young (current form) and Di Maria (if/when he turns his form around) just all compliment each other really well and it's promising to watch.
Invest in the defence and add another wide player and we've already got a team capable of challenging in my opinion. Doesn't require a 'huge' overhaul in the summer, which in my opinion will disrupt things too much. 1/2 starters and then 1/2 squad options/young players to develop is all it needs.
Philosophy!
Seriously though I mentioned in another thread - I really like the energy and defensive attributes that he brings to the #10....or whatever you want to call the role he is playing.
I think if it were a player like Mata or Kagawa in that role, we wouldnt look nearly as good because they simply wouldnt offer as much defensively as Fellaini does. Furthermore this has a knock on effect on some of the other team choices - the fact that Fellaini contributes defensively allows us to play a more creative, attacking CM behind him in Herrera. Again, if it was Mata as #10 then I dont think LVG would be wanting to play Herrera in CM as well, he would deem it too imbalanced (and I kinda agree...).
The role he plays is like if you took a classic "box to box midfielder" and just shifted his "action zones" (that sounds very American) forward a notch. He operates from deep in our half, right into the opposition penalty area. Its not a traditional role, but Fellaini is a rather unique player, and whatever the case - it seems to work. Fellaini in this role allows us to play attacking players like Herrera and Mata around him, without us getting overrun. Furthermore he seems to be starting to forge a good understanding/partnership with Rooney, which is always good news.
So yeah, basically what I am trying to say is that whilst the attacking attributes of Fellaini and his aerial prowess/strength are what are normally focused on and praised, I think at the moment his most valuable asset is the way he defends from the front in that role, and that particular quality is something we can pretty much build a team around.
He has played really well and deserves to start in our forthcoming games.
However, I have been wondering about what happens when Van Persie is available again. IF he does come back in, does anyone else think Fellaini might be the one to make way? Van Persie goes up front, Rooney drops back to play the role Fellaini has been playing?
Not what I want to see happen at all. But wondering if this could be what Van Gaal has in mind.
However, I have been wondering about what happens when Van Persie is available again. IF he does come back in, does anyone else think Fellaini might be the one to make way? Van Persie goes up front, Rooney drops back to play the role Fellaini has been playing?
Not what I want to see happen at all. But wondering if this could be what Van Gaal has in mind.
I am delighted for Fellaini He could make it here after all
He could make it here after all I don't think RvP or Falcao will get back into the team, unless they were to replace Rooney. I think van Gaal realises that this team/formation is the way forward, and he's said himself that if you play well, you'll start every game.
humble pie on my part. he has a role as a starter. never thought it'd happen.
Definitely a possibility. Although, based on the season so far, you'd have to say Hererra is more likely to be in the firing line.
Would be such a kick in the teeth if that happened, though. Van Gaal's willingness to keep Di Maria on the bench has restored a bit of faith in his reputation for always putting the team ahead of individuals, no matter how stellar their reputation. Starting RvP as soon as he's fit instead of Herrera or Fellaini would be really depressing
Its possible, but LVG often says he doesnt like to change his team if he doesnt have to. Bear in mind too we've only just started an epic run of difficult games and we're clearly playing the best football of the season, it would be hard to imagine that LVG would want to play around with things, no matter how much he respects RVP.
Have to admit I was completely wrong about him. He really brings out the best in our more technical players. Not sure I would start him in home games against sides in the lower half, but in big games and tricky away games he has to be in the first XI.
I hope you are right @Captain Hindsight @Pogue Mahone @bishblaize, that is my feeling too. Its new territory I guess, how he deals with one of his own being marginalised. I can see why Pogue takes some comfort from the handling of Di Maria but that is quite different given he doesnt have the same relationship with him. But he has this reputation for being hard in these matters so hopefully he lives up to it.
The defensive side of his game has improved a lot too off late. We are the most balanced atm when he's in there and I hope LvG doesn't change it once RvP returns. He, Herrera and Carrick are a great midfield combination when out of possession. Carrick sits deep and makes the interceptions and clearances while Fellaini and Herrera close players down, get stuck in and make life difficult for the other team.
Played well and making me eat my words - honestly didn't think he had it in him to make it here.
Fair play to him, he's taken a lot of stick off the fans but he's worked hard and turned his career around here. Adds that physicalitiy to our side that's been missing for a long time and an absolute pain in the to defend against. Basically playing how he used to play against us for Everton!
His ability to allow us to transition from defence into attack in a matter of seconds and the consistency of this ability is unbelievable.
As gash as Wayne was yesterday, I think that they create a nice partnership together.
Would be interesting to know how many kms he run against Spurs and Liverpool. His work rate has been very impressive as well recently
He was very good yesterday, not quite as good as his Spurs performance (where he was genuinely unplayable at times) but still very good nonetheless.
I think his first half was better than that. He was more of an attacking threat against Spurs, but at Anfield he was instrumental at marginalizing their midfield. He played that role to perfection.
Many complained he dropped off in the second half vs Spurs (I think that was a bit exaggerated). But I think he was good all the way through yesterday. Yes, the team as a whole dropped off, but I thought Fellaini was winning the ball and using it well all the way to the end.
In both games, he dropped off after 30-35 minutes. He actually did that in the last three games.
He is undoubtedly a very good player - you don't get an expensive transfer to United otherwise. More importantly, he can be an immensely effective player in disrupting the opposition and making something happen, particularly with his headers. It won't always work and he can be a foul and yellow card magnet, but he should always be at least on the bench. I hope he stays, and think he will. Don't care whether he is "aesthetically pleasing".
He is our one player who can scare the pants off defenders just by his presence.
He is our one player who can scare the pants off defenders just by his presence.
I'm looking forward to seeing Fellaini in this role up against Toure when City come to OT. Think we might finally have the presence in midfield to disrupt City's flow and stamp our authority in the game, after seemingly years of City having their way with us in midfield. Even when we have won, such as the 3-2 at the Etihad, they were still more than holding their own...
He was great defending set pieces too. But that's his bread and butter.
He binds up so many players and creates havoc and chaos for the opposition. Right now, he is unstoppable in his fluid position. The opposition would have to play a 2 meter tall right defensive midfielder/inverted wingback to mark him out of the game.
Sums up my experience as well. good on him.
So now the question is.... If someone come up with an offer of 20m+ next season, should we take it?
No, he's proved to be an extremely useful asset to the team. I imagine we may sign a midfielder to displace him but even if we do, I doubt that guy will have many of the same qualities Fellaini. £20m+ is a lot of money but we don't need the money, so unless it's an extortionate amount, I wouldn't sell him.
He's David de Gea's favourite team mate at the moment. He single handedly will ramp up David's pass completion percentage. Brilliant in defending set pieces too. In the form of his life. So happy for him.
- Status