Fellaini Flourishes In Van Gaal Philosophy

Marouane Fellaini believes his Manchester United team-mates can extend the club's unbeaten run in the Barclays Premier League and climb the table over the important Christmas period.

The Belgian midfielder scored the opening goal in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Stoke City as the Reds claimed a fourth consecutive win, and says confidence and a familiarity with Louis van Gaal's philosophy are paying dividends.

“We know each other a lot better and we know the manager and the staff,” he told reporters after the midweek match at Old Trafford. “We know the philosophy of the manager. We are training hard as well so we have to continue like that. It is good to win four games in a row. We have to continue like that, to continue to play and to win. It’s important for the confidence.”

United are currently fourth in the Premier League table and remain adrift of leaders Chelsea. While the Reds are focused on reclaiming a place in the top four and a return to the UEFA Champions League come the end of the season, Fellaini wants to see if the Reds can catch the teams in front, including Jose Mourinho's pacesetters.

“Yeah, I think we wait for a mistake, but we have to look after us," he admitted. "We have to take it game-by-game and we will see after that. After Boxing Day, we have a lot of games and we have to keep winning. Southampton as well, they are better in the table than us and we'll see on Monday as well."

Fellaini scored his first competitive United goal at Old Trafford in Tuesday’s win with a powerful header at the far post. The finish followed his maiden strike for the club during October’s 2-2 draw at West Brom, and the Belgian is pleased with his form in front of goal.

“It’s good for the confidence to score the goal,” he explained. “It was a great cross as well and it was a great combination, so it’s good. I feel a little bit tired as I start to play every game so I feel the fatigue but I have to rest and work hard again.”

Fellaini was also asked to explain the injury he sustained in the lead-up to Steven Nzonzi’s first-half goal. "Yeah, I twisted my neck. I felt the pain, a lot of pain so I should have gone down. It was my mistake."