Pre-Season
Marouane Fellaini was with the Belgium squad at the UEFA EURO 2016. He had a very good tournament. He would be remembered most especially for his two goals against the UEFA EURO 2016 hosts, France, at the Stade de France. A match that Belgium won 4-3.
In spite of all the rumors swelling around that he would be sold by the incoming Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho; his future unknown, and apparently weighing heavily on him, he was still able to perform well for his national team. But as was reported afterwards, and confirmed by Fellaini himself; Mourinho had in fact called him during the EUROs in an attempt to put his mind at ease by letting him know he would get a ‘fair shake’ in the Manchester United team.
Start of the Season
At the beginning of the season many questions were asked about Fellaini’s continued presence at Manchester United. He is one player that continue to divide opinion amongst the Old Trafford faithfuls. Some believe he is not a Manchester United type player, whereas others believe he can do a good job on a good day.
Fellaini’s error at the Community Shield match-up against Leicester City FC that led to Jamie Vardy’s goal was something many fans pointed at as another reason why he should be let go.
Mid Season
Marouane Fellaini’s 6’4″ frame can indeed be put to very good use on the field. He can be a real handful, and damaging to opponents. He did just that on many occasions. He played the role of a ‘wrecking ball’, an hammer of sorts, on several occasions. Although questions always remained about his qualities as a Manchester United player.
End of Season
Fellaini is human, just like the rest of us. He is prone to mistakes like everyone else. There were occasions when he did make mistakes that cost the team. For example, giving away a penalty to Everton FC few minutes after coming off the bench. A penalty that led to yet another diabolical draw.
Some fans have often pointed to Fellaini’s disciplinary record. A case in point would be his supposed ‘head butt of Sergio Aguero’ during the Manchester derby that resulted in a red card. Many do not appreciate his ‘rash challenges’ some times.
But Fellaini did an important job for the team on many occasions when called upon. He was deployed in several different positions throughout the season. He played as a holding midfileder, as an attacking midfielder, he played on the wings; and even played as a lone striker, or ‘hammer head’, on occasions. Many times during the season, the team just lobbed the ball forward in search of Fellaini’s head. And he scored a few times.
Overall Stats
Perhaps not an overall great season for Fellaini, but most certainly not drab either. Not bad at all. He did a good job on many occasions. The manager Jose Mourinho rates him, and trusts him. And as he was quoted recently, “I’m willing to break my bones for Jose Mourinho”. That says a lot about his relationship with Mourinho. And which manager would not want to have a player who is willing to break his bones for him?
Fellaini featured 47 times for the Red Devils this season. He added 4 goals and 2 assists in all competitions.