Fellaini did not stand out, and that’s a good thing.
- The Red Devil Advocate
- Sep 13, 2017
- 2 min read
Every Manchester United player is usually under scrutiny. This is neither good or bad – we look at their performance because it’s our team and in my case, I want to see a player’s performance to make a good report.
So, when Fellaini came in on the 17th minute: replacing Paul Pogba who’d limped off, my feelings were mixed. I felt like it was too early to bring him on. However, I quickly forgot about him because he did not do anything to stand out or draw attention to himself after coming on.
He blended in.
Normally, Fellaini does not blend in and excuse me, this has nothing to do with his height or hair colour – dude looks like he’s tripping over the ball. The typical Fellaini mistakes involve getting lost with the ball, misses crosses, unable to make passes that connect… cutting the flow of football in the midfield.
Last night, he was unnoticeable – and here is why it was a good thing. Because he was doing what he was supposed to do; there was no reason to notice him. Up until he scored, I forgot he was there. There were no stupid mistakes and the lack of connection was happening more with Juan Mata and those near misses with Mkhitrayan and even Lukaku.
Fellaini's performance vs Basel? He took up Pogba’s role and looking at his stats, you can see that he stepped up.
1 goal
2 shots
2 tackles
2 interceptions
3 dribbles
75% aerial duels won
He was masterful in his touch – not too heavy, not too light. He assisted Marcus Rashford and took a shot at goal. He found a way around defenders and did not seem overwhelmed by the intensity of the game.
Jose Mourinho praised Fellaini before and after the game, stating that Fellaini was important to him and adding, “ If his condition improves he will be selected, because I need him.”
Mark you, Fellani did not train on Sunday because he had a calf problem. He turned up and did what he has to do for the team, just as he'd been doing all along. Mourinho seems to found something in Fellaini and they seem to bring out the best of each other. And finally, I can also (somehoe) see what Mourinho sees in him.
Did you see it? Can you come to like Fellaini? Most importantly, can we forget some of our prejudice against our very own player and just – like – I don’t know, embrace him, already? What do you say, ehe?
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