Why Marouane Fellaini can play an important role in Man United’s campaign
With two losses from their first three games in the Premier League, Manchester United made the worst possible start to their season since 1992/93. However, the Red Devils have somewhat resurrected their campaign with back-to-back victories over Burnley and Watford, followed by a 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers. The wins were not comprehensive by any means but should boost the confidence of the team and reinstate the management ’s faith in Jose Mourinho’s tactics.
The Red Devils did not face much of a challenge in the 2-0 victory over Burnley but there were plenty of positives for Mourinho to take from the match. For the first time in the season, United played as a team and dominated the opposition. They did win their opening fixture against Leicester City but it was more a case of sitting back and absorbing the pressure.
Mourinho made quite a few changes to the line-up that faced a 3-0 humiliation at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur. The most notable change was made in the midfield, where he chose to go with the trio of Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini. The Portuguese tactician was able to get his selection right ahead of the game against Burnley and the midfield trio played a pivotal role in the 2-0 victory. And one man who got his first start of the season was the Belgian, Marouane Fellaini.
In the earlier games against Brighton and Spurs, Mourinho used Marouane Fellaini as his trump card when the team was trailing and needed some inspiration to get back in the game. Not being too critical of the manager’s tactics but bringing on a central defensive midfielder to change the game in times of desperation might not always produce the desired results. It is true that the Belgian boasts of exceptional aerial ability and can be a potent threat to the opposition in the penalty area but that is not where he can influence the game to the greatest possible extent.
Fellaini has played as a central midfielder for the majority of his career and that is exactly where he excels. He can contribute to the attack but that is not the yardstick upon which he should be judged. A good reader of the game, the Belgian has the ability to close down the spaces in the heart of the midfield and shield the rearguard with crucial tackles and interceptions. He can also be deployed as a box-to-box midfielder since he his range of passing dictates terms from his deep position in the midfield.
And he proved his actual worth in the games against Burnley and Watford. Mourinho handed the Belgian his first start of the season in his preferred position, allowing the Belgian to make a significant impact on the game. United did not look too bad defensively, as Fellaini effectively played as a sweeper for the back four. He ensured that the porous and vulnerable backline wasn’t exposed much.
His performance against Burnley was clinical and the Belgian followed it up with another promising display against Watford. Although he had a couple of slip-ups in the midfield against a more potent Watford side, he was solid and composed for large quarters of the game. Furthermore, he had the perfect partner in Nemanja Matic, who worked in tandem and covered for his occasional slip-ups.
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Fellaini’s resurgence might go a long way in deciding United’s fortunes in the Premier League this season. Although Burnley and Watford are not the toughest opposition United will be up against, the Belgian has impressed and that could be a sign of better things to come. His ability in the centre of the park is beyond doubt and he should continue influencing games, provided the manager uses him in the right manner.
