Marouane Fellaini finds form for Man Utd under Louis van Gaal

Manchester United (odds-on 1/3 for a top four finish) are finally starting to see the best of Belgian bruiser Marouane Fellaini, after a despicable debut season at Old Trafford.

Following his reported £27.5m move from Everton on summer transfer deadline day last year, Fellaini struggled in the transition from Blue to Red, making only 16 appearances under then-manager David Moyes.

United’s newest boss, Louis van Gaal, has given functional Fellaini a long run in his side, leading to top performances from the former Toffees favourite.

This will come as another undermining blow to the former man at the Old Trafford helm Moyes, with the Scot having made Fellaini his debut signing at the beginning of his short Red Devils reign.

Having failed to score a single goal in his first campaign, the brawny Belgian has managed two Premier League strikes under Van Gaal’s watch this term.

Following a ferocious effort against West Bromwich Albion in October, fiery Fellaini headed United in front in an eventual 2-1 victory over Stoke City this midweek. Juan Mata, another Moyes signing, grabbed the winner from a curling free-kick to secure four consecutive wins for United.

Moyes’ inability to use Fellaini in a more advanced role baffled fans, instead opting to deploy his new signing in a midfield duo, trying to reinvent the Belgian, but to no avail.

Fans called for Fellaini to be axed in the summer, hoping for a more dynamic midfield maestro to take his position in the side.

Although, despite mass amounts of criticism, the World Cup commander has dug deep to rekindle the form that captivated Goodison Park, making him a pivotal player in the eyes of the Van Gaal.

Fellaini’s latest performances provide further examples of his ability to stir problems for the opposition, when utilised correctly. In spite of his possible technical limitations, the United powerhouse is now showing some value, when Van Gaal plays to his strengths.

The Belgium international isn’t a typical United player, passing with a slower tempo that is expected at Old Trafford and appearing flat-footed in possession, explaining the lack of assists in his game.