Marouane Fellaini a big player, says David Moyes

Marouane Fellaini in action for Everton. Picture: Getty

Chaotic and, at times, shambolic deadline-day dealing ended with Fellaini being United’s only significant acquisition. And, at £27.5million, the 25-year-old has not come cheaply. Indeed, Moyes’ decision to let a clause in Fellaini’s contract expire at the end of July backfired as it ended up costing United an additional £4million, turning the Belgian into the fourth most expensive purchase in United’s history.

However, having worked with Fellaini for five years at Goodison Park, Moyes is acutely aware of the former Standard Liege man’s qualities.

He has no doubt Fellaini will thrive in his new environment. “Marouane is not someone you want to be playing against,” Moyes told MUTV. “He has attributes other people don’t have. And with those qualities he has, I am sure he will be a big player for Manchester United.”

Moyes will be relieved to bolster his midfield options. The Scot identified it as a problem area as soon as he took over from Sir Alex Ferguson in July. With Paul Scholes retired and Darren Fletcher no nearer making a comeback from the chronic bowel condition that has raised many questions about the Scot’s career, United desperately needed reinforcements. And, as Moyes pointed out, Fellaini provides a variety of options.

“He can play higher up the field if we need him to, just behind a main striker,” said Moyes. “He can play as a defensive or holding midfield player. In fact, he is comfortable in any position in the middle of the field. It was definitely a position where people would say we were short, not just of numbers, with the likes of Paul Scholes retiring and Darren Fletcher not being ready to come back just now. I am glad we have got him.”