We can’t believe that we are actually thinking it. One of the most heavily criticised players of the entire Premier League campaign last year was Marouane Fellaini. But could he actually be starting to resemble an important footballer for Manchester United?
There is still lots not to like about him. He always seems to be caught up in some aggro. And we can see how people who don’t support Manchester United could find him machiavellian and dirty even – his apparent nudge which caused the Szczesny injury on Sunday looked ugly.
But he has been somewhat less clumsy over the last couple of games. He’s never going to be the most elegant of footballers. But he has at least started to look like a footballer. His pass which set up the ultimately crucial second goal for Manchester Untied against Arsenal would have been salivated over had it come from the boot of Cesc Fabregas.
Fellaini is offering the sort of beef that Arsenal need. But he is doing more than that now. He is keeping the ball better for Manchester United. He looks more confident and he covers as much ground as anyone, offering assistance in defence and attack in equal measure.
Fellaini will never be the best player to watch. His style certainly has its detractors. But perhaps Manchester United’s new found stubbornness and resolve has been due, in no small part, to the return to form of the big Belgian who seemed certain to leave Old Trafford only a couple of months ago.
Manchester United fans: does Fellaini have a future at the club after all?
