Marouane Fellaini Reflects on Challenging First Season at Manchester United
Arriving at Old Trafford for a hefty €32.5 million last summer, Marouane Fellaini’s first season at Manchester United has not lived up to the high expectations that surrounded his transfer. The Belgian international, of Moroccan descent, has faced heavy criticism throughout the campaign, with many questioning his performances. Despite a difficult season, Fellaini is determined to leave the past behind and focus on making an impact next year.
With United’s season coming to a close on the final day of the Premier League, where they face Southampton in a bid for Europa League qualification, Fellaini took a moment to reflect on his first year with the Red Devils. “Once the season is over, I will start my preparation for next year, and everything will go well. I will try to show what I am capable of next season,” he told The Daily Telegraph.
Fellaini acknowledged the difficult start to his time at United, explaining that his summer move from Everton had been a stressful period. “For two months, I had prepared with Everton, without knowing what would happen. In the end, I wanted to leave and I signed for Manchester. It was stressful, but the ending was happy,” he recalled.
The midfielder also revealed the difference in atmosphere between his former club, Everton, and United. “When I joined United, I thought, ‘Wow, this is different.’ It was very good at Everton. But it’s different here. The atmosphere is different, the club is different, everything is different,” Fellaini said. “It’s a good sign, it’s a very big team, the most prestigious in the world.”
Fellaini’s season has been marred by injuries, further complicating his adjustment. “I need to be fit to be good,” he admitted. “I can play, even if I’m injured, but I don’t have the same performance.” The midfielder struggled with a three-month injury layoff, which he described as a difficult time. “When you arrive at a new team and you want to play, you want to stay with the rest of the players, and when you are on the sidelines, it’s hard to watch the team play from the stands.”
Now fully recovered from his physical issues, Fellaini is eager to make up for lost time and earn the support of Manchester United’s fans. “We, the players, have to take responsibility,” he stated. “It’s up to us to help the new manager turn Manchester United into a team capable of winning the title.” With a fresh start on the horizon, Fellaini is looking forward to proving his worth in the upcoming season.
