Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that Marouane Fellaini will mainly be used as a striker this season following a summer that has seen two central midfielders join the club.
Fellaini, 27, didn’t appear to have any future at Old Trafford when Van Gaal replaced David Moyes last summer but finished the campaign as one of United’s most important players.
Only three United players required fewer minutes per goal than Fellaini (305.2 mins) in the Premier League last season and Van Gaal says that the Belgium international will be used in more advanced positions more often this season.
“He can play in a 9 position and in a 10 but also 6 and 8, but this year he shall play more 10 and 9 than 6 and 8 because there [in midfield] we have more players,” Van Gaal is quoted as saying by The Guardian.
Fellaini is yet to feature in the Premier League this season after missing the first three games through suspension.
The Belgian did, however, come on to score a late goal in the first leg of United’s Champions League qualifier against Club Brugge and the Belgian is expected to feature in the second leg on Wednesday evening.
The former Everton midfielder certainly gives United another option up-front, which was perfectly showcased against Brugge last week when he headed in a vital late goal to extend their aggregate lead over the Belgium side to 3-1.
In fact, Fellaini won at least 41 more aerial duels than any other United player in the Premier League last season.
For more stats on Marouane Fellaini, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
