Paddy: Fellaini Has The Power

Manchester United legend Paddy Crerand believes buying Marouane Fellaini will make for a better-equipped midfield at Old Trafford.

Speaking to MUTV this week, Crerand said he was thrilled with the deadline-day acquisition, a player he's admired in Everton's colours over the last five seasons. As a co-commentator for the club's official channel, pundit Paddy has witnessed at first hand the damage Fellaini has sometimes done to his beloved Reds.

On Friday, Fellaini helped Belgium to beat Crerand's native Scotland in a World Cup qualifier, and Paddy is now looking forward to having the big man on his side for a change.

“I’m delighted United have signed Marouane Fellaini and I think most fans should be too, because the one thing we’ve lacked at Manchester United in the middle of the park is somebody powerful and strong," said Crerand.

"I wouldn’t want [Manchester City’s Yaya] Toure playing against me; a big powerful guy, hard to compete with. We’ve got one of our own now."

Crerand, a midfielder himself in the great United side of the 1960's, has enjoyed watching some strong characters dominate his position in more recent years and he's hoping that Fellaini can follow in their footsteps.

"Down the years, we’ve had some magnificent players in midfield, like Roy Keane and Bryan Robson. And now, with Fellaini, we’ve got much more power and strength than we had last year, so I think he’s a big asset.

"I think he’s a threat around the penalty area. When there are free-kicks and corner kicks around the box, he’s going to be a big, big threat. And, every time a ball comes into our defensive area, he’s going to be a good player to have there as well.

"I think his height and strength could be big factors for us. But I’m not taking anything away from his [technical] ability either, I think he’s also a very good footballer.

"I think he’s a very good buy; there are a lot of fans out there thinking about Ronaldo and Bale and that sort of player, but I think he’s an important buy for the club. I think United have done a great bit of business. He wanted to play for the club and that’s a big thing in itself."