The vast majority of the time that Marouane Fellaini is in his own box, it’s because he’s trying to use his heavily-padded head to clear a corner.
But he showed that he’s much more than a big man during Manchester United’s terrific 2-1 victory over Everton in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final win at Wembley.
Not only did he score the opener with a great little reverse run to the six yard line but he proved that he’s got a goal-saving tackle in him too.
Romelu Lukaku looked destined to score the winner when the ball landed to his toes. All he had to do was sort his feet out and wallop it into the roof of the net.
But that wasn’t taking into consideration the fact that his fellow countryman, who was making a 25 yard back-tracking run into his own box.
Fellaini slid in, won the ball with a challenge that commentator Danny Murphy called “the tackle of the season” and did some considerable repair work to his reputation among United fans.
@Fellaini mate that tackle was as good as a goal. Well played
— Dave Wood (@DWood_89) April 23, 2016
@Fellaini great motm performance, your goal and last ditch tackle helped big time, thank you for helping us get to the final , ggmu!
— Rebecca Darrington (@rebsdarro89) April 23, 2016
Fellaini is my hero for that last ditch tackle. Rooney or De Gea man of the match. Today is a prime example of why it's the beautiful game.
— carl (@stinkyplantboi) April 23, 2016
Fellaini's tackle on Lukaku was crucial in this match. Saved our asses although he was the one who lost the ball.
— Shreyas. (@Vidicesquee) April 23, 2016
Fellaini justified Van Gaals selection. That tackle might have just won us the game. I think he is a much better player in a 3 man midfield.
— Karthik (@karnat1802) April 23, 2016
Fellaini's Tackle On Lukaku Won Us The Game.. Desire To Get Back & Put His Feet In Is Something We Have Not Seen Since He's Signed!
— Yusuf 🇵🇸 (@YusLakhi7) April 23, 2016
#MOTM should be Fellaini. His presence was incredible all game, and that slide tackle on Lukaku saved the game for #MUFC.
— Felix Wong (@wongfelix88) April 23, 2016
But dont forget that Fellaini tackle on Lukaku ..it was equally important as Martial goal in the end #mufc
— S (@InMUFCweTrust) April 23, 2016
That was also, without doubt, Fellaini's best game in the red shirt. One goal and a cracking tackle near the death. #bbcfootball
— Paul Lummis (@ChemistPaul) April 23, 2016
