Manchester United fans must learn to love 'important' Marouane Fellaini, says Jose Mourinho
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Updated 15/08/2016 at 17:01 GMT
Manchester United fans will have to get used to seeing more of Marouane Fellaini this season after Jose Mourinho confirmed that the big Belgian is central to his plans.
Jose Mourinho and Marouane Fellaini at the Community Shield
Image credit: Reuters
The much-maligned Fellaini was linked with a departure from United after Mourinho’s appointment, but started and impressed in the team’s first game of the new season against Bournemouth on Sunday.
Starting in central midfield alongside Ander Herrera, Fellaini played an influential role as goals from Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic steered Mourinho’s side to a 3-1 win at the Vitality Stadium.
"With Fellaini I always had the feeling that he was not loved by the general Red people," Mourinho said after the game.
"But, if he plays like he's playing now then they have to love him, because he's being so important for us."
And the man himself was delighted to have been handed the opportunity to start after United had so actively strengthened in the transfer market during the summer.
"Like everybody I want to start, so I'm happy to start today, show my quality and show the manager what I can do," Fellaini said.
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates his goal for Manchester United
Image credit: Reuters
"The new guys are good and bring quality," Fellaini added. "Zlatan had one chance and got one goal which is good for us. [Eric] Bailly was strong defensively and in the Premier League we need that and we hope he can continue like that.”
United’s next match is against Southampton at Old Trafford in the first Friday night game of the new season.
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