Marouane Fellaini – Everton legend.
The Belgian “midfielder” played 177-times for the Toffees, and impressed in David Moyes’ days on Merseyside. His combative style, fondness for throwing elbows and aerial ability made him an ideal fit for a team playing direct football.
When he followed Moyes to Manchester United in 2013, Fellaini spoke about wanting to emulate Roy Keane, and be the midfield general United have lacked since the Irishman departed in 2005.
100 appearances later for the Red Devils and it’s safe to say that won’t happen.
Fellaini was brought on with five-minutes remaining against his old team at Goodison Park on Sunday, leaving the field to warm applause and cheers from the Everton supporters who booed his arrival in the match.
85' – @Fellaini replaces @HenrikhMkh in #MUFC's second change. #EVEMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 4, 2016
Tasked with helping United hold onto their 1-0 lead, he conspired to cost United the three points.
The 29-year-old landed a needless, rash, clumsy tackle on Idrissa Gana Gueye, giving away a penalty that Leighton Baines dispatched.
It could be argued that Jose Mourinho should share the blame for bringing on the clumsy Belgian, but the United manager would undoubtedly expect better from his player.
Just as Mourinho picked the wrong time to bring on Fellaini, and the midfielder mistimed his tackle, United’s official Twitter account picked a bad moment to congratulate the player on his 100th appearance for the club.
Congratulations to @Fellaini on reaching 100 appearances for #MUFC! #EVEMUN pic.twitter.com/LEdMtU5FRE
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 4, 2016
United fans were furious.
delete
— Joel Morris (@JMXFifa) December 4, 2016
Don't congratulate him sell him
— HipHopRelated (@HipHopReIated) December 4, 2016
#Fellaini is such a liability. He cost us two points today. He didn't even seem all that bothered. #ManUtd sell him
— Chris nugent (@Cnugent84) December 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/LargePeas/status/805467593570209792
https://twitter.com/Oscar2992/status/805468390752219136
And Fellaini came in for a lot of criticism on Twitter.
This is one of Fellaini's best performances….for Everton.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 4, 2016
Asked Mourinho why he brought on Fellaini. Starts reply with: 'I thought you knew more about football.' #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) December 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/AzeemA_/status/805473499146031105
I don't what Fellaini does during the week to be chosen to shore up a game but Morgan and Basti must sit there in disbelief. #MUFC
— Dave Moore (@DaveTodayFM) December 4, 2016
Thought LVG's substitutions were weird, Mourinho's are equally baffling. Why would you bring on Fellaini to close up shop? Very weird.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) December 4, 2016
I've got nothing against Fellaini personally. He's simply not good enough. It's baffling how 3 separate managers have picked him regularly.
— Doc (@Doc_Joshi) December 4, 2016
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