Berg: Move Forward, Marouane

Henning Berg believes Marouane Fellaini will be a great success at Old Trafford - though the Treble winner hopes to see United’s new recruit playing up front this season.

Fellaini signed for the Reds on transfer deadline day to finally link up with his former Everton manager David Moyes following a summer of speculation. Now, the Belgian hopes to make his debut during this Saturday’s Barclays Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace.

However, having mastered a number of positions at Goodison Park, fans and pundits alike are wondering where he will operate for the champions. And Berg is confident the 25-year-old can excel in a forward role, just behind Dutch striker Robin van Persie.

“He’s got great potential, and if he’s consistent with his best level, he will be a fantastic signing," Henning told MUTV. "He can play so play different positions, he’s a good footballer but there’s something about him. He can get players around him, he can control and dominate games, and I think United have too few players who can do that. That’s why I think he will be a great signing.

“He’s very difficult to handle in the box, but he’s got that presence and that mentality that makes sure he stands out and does that little bit extra. It’s not so much about technique and technical things, but he can score and set up goals. He’s more like an English-type, not like a foreign player who can dominate with skills and tricks, but I think playing with better players will suit him.

“I just hope he doesn’t play central midfield, I hope he can play up front next to van Persie, as a link up player and goal-scorer.”

Expanding on his point, Berg explained why Fellaini could be a big success in the final third for United and even wondered if the towering Belgian could have the galvanizing effect that Eric Cantona brought to Old Trafford following his transfer from Leeds in 1992.

“I think Fellaini can give United more presence up front, he can help van Persie in terms of link up. I think with his passion and his mentality, he can make a big difference to United.

“He’s not the kind of player to thread passes through. But, he has a sheer presence to hold the ball up, ability to win balls in the box, and match-winning mentality – he raises his game for the big matches.

“Every game for United is a big one, so I think he will rise to that and enjoy it. When Cantona came, he had that mentality every game. I’m not saying he’s going to be the same, but he can be.”

Henning Berg was speaking to MUTV's Thursday Focus programme.