Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has all but ended hopes of the club signing another striker after revealing that Marouane Fellaini will play as an attacker this season.
Van Gaal, 64, has been under pressure to bring in another star to help under firing captain Wayne Rooney. However, it seems that the Dutchman will rotate the side with the likes of Fellaini and Hernandez – with the pair being used in attack throughout the season.
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The news will disappoint a lot of fans but its a decision that Van Gaal has made and will stand by. Fellaini, 27, has missed the first three games of the Premier League with a suspension but made a strong return in the Champions League last week when he netted the third against Club Brugge at Old Trafford.
And tomorrow the Belgian international could start after Van Gaal confirmed his position in the squad.
"“He can play as a no.9 and a no.10, and he can also play as a no.6 and no.8,” Van Gaal confirmed, as reported by manutd.com. “This year he wiil play more as a no.9 and no.10 rather than 6 and 8 because there we have other players.”"
Fellaini is a player who can be used in a number of positions. During his time at Everton he was played in defensive midfield while at times he was used behind the striker, his most effective area. And sitting alongside Van Gaal he admitted that he can play wherever the boss wants him to.
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"“In the past I have played no.9 and no.10. I have to help the team. I can play there. It’s not important where I play, the most important thing is to win the game. Of course it’s different but I enjoy all the positions I can play in.”"
During Fellaini’s first season at United he struggled to settle and fans were questioning his £27million price tag. But last year he responded with some key goals and he now wants to kick on. He continued:
"“Eveyrone know my first season was difficult, but now it’s in the past. I look forward. Last season I did quite well and I want to continue. I know my team-mates, the manager and his philosophy. I am looking to do well and score goals.”"
Tomorrow’s clash could be Fellaini’s first start of the campaign and it will be key for him to perform with the home side only needing a 2-0 win to progress and he is aware of the situation and believes United can do well in Europe should they progress against Brugge.
"“At the moment we are doing well. We don’t concede and we can score. We have a lot of quality in the team – we can do well in the Champions League,” he added."
If United are to progress into the group stages they could face any of the big guns such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Barcelona. Due to the updated seedings, Van Gaal’s side are no longer in pot one due to their finishing league position under David Moyes. Also, Chelsea and Manchester City are now the kings of English football meaning they have taken the two spots in the draw.
Liverpool had the same problem as Manchester United last season and found themselves in a group with Real Madrid which ended in elimination. United will not want the same to happen.