Many of us screamed at our screens and speakers in disdain over the summer as speculation intensified about the potential transfer of Marouane Fellaini to Manchester United. A player renowned for getting results, but not known for playing pretty football, to some onlookers, Fellaini represented a worrying portent of the playing style that Manchester United could expect under new manager David Moyes.
3 months later and there is little reason for those sceptics to think any differently. The Belgian has done little to persuade Manchester United fans that he will ever come close to becoming a legend. At this point he would seriously struggle to even gain the sort of cult following that the terminally under-performing Anderson enjoys.
For all Anderson’s failings he is popular because he always looks as if he’s giving 100 percent. In the absence of form Fellaini doesn’t even look as if he’s busting a gut for the cause.
Anderson is also capable of moments of great skill. Could the same be said of Fellaini? The most worrying indictment of the player is that many Manchester United fans would rather see the Brazilian playing tonight than the new 30 million man.
Sir Alex Ferguson made some high profile, high cost blunders in the transfer market – Berbatov and Veron both cost a similar amount to Fellaini while Ashley Young, at around £16m, must go down as one of the worst Fergie signings ever. But, at least these players where brought in with skill at the top of the agenda.
Manchester United fans are still trying to work out what agenda Moyes was reading from when he spent so much on Marouane. For him to make a leap from ‘expensive misfit’ to ‘integral team member’ there is going to have to be an almost inconceivable improvement in his game. Perhaps his first goal will bring some form. Maybe a stirring defensive performance will have the fans singing his name.
But we are genuinely concerned for Moyes’ first major signing and aren’t sure whether he’s cut out for Manchester United. If he continues to perform in this way will Moyes consider cutting his losses at the end of the season? Money doesn’t grow on trees at Manchester United, or indeed, seep up like treacle through the ground. Before too long United may look to recoup some of their money on the player and chalk this one down to bad judgement – because Fellaini doesn’t currently look as if he has the technique or quality for Manchester United.
Will Fellaini eventually succeed? Let’s have your thoughts.
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Der23454
Dec 4, 2013 at 5:21 pm
Players take time to settle, you must also look at a player like Carrick who was subject to similar scrutiny. He was given time to settle and now is an integral part of the team. For Fellaini to flourish at United he needs a defined role, I would prefer him in a holding midfield position with limited freedom to roam forward. He has the build for it and if he does some work on his distribution and improves his shooting he can justify his price tag