Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini thought about leaving the club after a terrible debut season but the ‘now fantastic’ Belgian believes he is currently reaping the rewards of fighting for his place at Old Trafford.
.
The 27-year-old Fellaini joined United in a £27 million deal from Everton in 2013 to become David Moyes’s first signing as manager.
.
But Fellaini, along with Moyes, struggled to adapt to life at Old Trafford as United finished seventh, 22 points behind champions Manchester City.
.
“It was a difficult season for everyone, not just me, but the criticism was on me because I was the transfer of Moyes,” Fellaini told the Daily Mail on Saturday, a day before United travel to Everton in the Premier League.
.
“I did some good games but even those I was criticised for. A lot of people talked about me, about my quality.”
.
“I had played five years in England and every season I played very well for Everton. Then, for one year, I lost my football, I lost my quality, I lost everything.
.
“That’s my opinion. And now my quality has come back. But that’s not right, that’s not right.”
.
Fellaini spoke with Moyes’s replacement Louis van Gaal at the start of the current campaign and agreed to fight for his place.
.
“I talked with the new manager and he told me I have to show him, prove to him. I accept that,” Fellaini said. “I am a footballer so I like that competition.
.
“This is a big club and I wanted to show I can play here.”
.
The big-haired Fellaini is now a firm fixture in a United side who have risen to third in the Premier League table and Fellaini is thriving in a role in between midfield and attack.
.
“It is different now,” he said. “The fans, the people, they are with me, not against me. Last season was bad for everyone, but I have had the strength to move on.
.
“I play much better than last year, but the team play much better as well, so it has been good for us all.
.
“That is football. I learned a lot from that. I am stronger mentally. I always thought I was, but now more than ever.”
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate