Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal feels that he is not in a position to be able to drop midfielder Marouane Fellaini back to the bench. The Belgian international was heavily criticised in his first season after a £ 27 million move from Everton. He was seen as the pet signing of former manager David Moyes, whose early exit with a year of appointment later led to the criticism following uponFellaini.
The criticism was so intense that the Belgian was booed by his own supporters during pre-season. He has managed to overcome all those doubters to become a firm part of United’s plans in recent months.
It has beenFellaini’s presence that has helped United secure several victories in the second half of the season. His importance was demonstrated none more so than in the match against West Brom when United were on the verge of dropping more points beforeFellaini’s introduction helped seal a victory. Van Gaal accepted that theFellaini may not have been a first choice at the start of the season, but the form and the dedication that he has shown towards establishing himself in the starting line-up has been second to none. Some fans have still criticised the use ofFellaini as a battering ram to play long balls.
“I can’t leave Fellaini out when he’s playing like this. I didn’t know him at first. Of course I had heard a lot of stories about him, but from the very first session he did what I asked. He was open and wants to perform.I am not surprised by his improvement. He had, I think, an unlucky season because he was injured a lot.He can give a lot of balance in the team, but of course I can change his role depending on the qualities of the opponent,” said Van Gaal.