Tactical analysis of how David Moyes can use Marouane Fellaini

At Manchester United however, he can be used more in a 4-2-3-1 formation as a double pivot in the midfield alongside Michael Carrick, to act as a shield in front of the back-four wherein he can play a similar role like Yaya Toure at Manchester City.

Unlike Carrick’s current midfield partners, Fellaini’s physical presence and combative skills would be quite handy in breaking up the opposition’s play in the midfield, and when in possession, he would be allowed to move forward to make late runs into the box and getting on the end of loose balls to score some crucial goals. This is something which United have been missing since the departure of their inspirational captain Roy Keane.

Besides lessening United’s over-dependence on Carrick, it would also allow a more creative player, someone like Wayne Rooney or Shinji Kagawa, to play in front of Carrick and Fellaini by fully asserting their authority into the attacking play without having to bother about tracking back – where Fellaini’s box-to-box role would play a crucial role in United’s tactical set up.

What Fellaini can offer United, which no other creative midfielder like Luka Modric or Mesut Ozil can, is a perfect combination of technique, strength and versatility. Besides playing a box-to-box role, he can also play as a deep lying play-maker, something he has done in recent Everton games, where he often fits in almost as a third centre-back when in possession. This role could be quite effective in tough away matches both in Europe as well as domestically.

Moreover, in games where United find it difficult to break down teams, or when they need a late equaliser or a winner, Fellaini can be moved further forward where he can act as a perfect focal point upfront for long balls coming in from midfield or defence. He, as he has shown several times playing for Everton, is very capable of bringing those long balls down, flicking it on or holding up the play to let others move into the game, and thus, provide a different threat altogether. This is similar to the tactics what Chelsea used so effectively with Didier Drogba during Jose Mourinho’s first title winning stint at Chelsea.

Although Manchester United won last season at a canter, majorly due to their incredible firepower, their midfield frailties were there for everyone to see and exploit. And with all of United’s nearest rivals getting stronger over the summer, the champions couldn’t have afforded to go on with this for another season.

It has been a position of weakness that has gone unresolved for quite a number of seasons , and now finally, the club has taken a step in the right direction by bringing in Marouane Fellaini.

Mesut Ozil, or any other creative midfielder, no doubt would have been a more charismatic addition to the squad, but in truth, it was the overall package of Marouane Fellaini that Manchester United really needed to retain their Premier League crown.