Marouane Fellaini was linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer as many thought he would be considered as one of the dead woods the new Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho would like to move on. However, contrary to belief and unknown to many, Mourinho had assured the Belgian of a place in his squad this off-season. And that faith seems to have been vindicated.
"He spoke to me on the first day when I arrived back from holiday and I have worked hard like I do every time,” said the Belgian in an interview with Sky Sports. "I don't need to explain myself, all the managers I've had know my quality. I'm here today and I'm trying hard like I always do to give my best on the pitch."
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Fellaini, who came to United in 2013 in a £27.5million move from Everton has dealt with severe criticism from Manchester United fans over the years and had become a scapegoat for many of their failures in the past few season. The 28-year-old’s presence, in fact, began to be despised as he typified Louis van Gaal’s lethargic approach in build up play.
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However, under the Mourinho, Fellaini has enjoyed a revival of sorts in his footballing fortunes. The Belgian has started all four games under Mourinho at the heart of the midfield and looks like to be a vital cog in the ‘Special One’s’ machinery going forward.
"Louis van Gaal trusted me, I played a lot of games. This season, though, I'm playing in my position and I feel the trust of the manager," he told Sky Sports.
"He has given me confidence and I will give everything. [Mourinho's faith] has had a big impact on me because when someone trusts you 200 per cent you have to repay that.
The midfielder who is now under his third manager at the club in the space of four years and be involved in his seventh Manchester derby when Manchester City make the short trip across town to face off against their bitter cross-city rivals on Saturday.
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The face-off will see two old foes go to battle as Pep Guardiola goes up against Jose Mourinho. And Marouane Fellaini can’t wait to experience the occasion and the atmosphere.
"When you play against Liverpool and City the tension is there but I think it is very big this season because there are new managers and players.
"A lot of players have come to this country this season, as too have a lot of great managers so this season it's special.
"There will be a lot of challenges, the crowd will be behind us so it will be a good game."
