Fellaini Wants To Avenge FA Cup Defeat To Arsenal

Marouane Fellaini believes the outcome of the clubs' previous meeting will motivate United for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash with Arsenal.

The Belgian international admits he and his team-mates are determined to secure a positive result after being knocked out of the FA Cup on home turf by the Gunners, in a painful 2-1 defeat which realistically ended the Reds' quest to win a trophy in Louis van Gaal's first season as manager.

"We want to avenge that defeat now," admits Fellaini in Sunday's official match programme, United Review. "It will be a good game for the supporters. Everyone knows that Arsenal have quality players like Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Özil and Jack Wilshere. So we have to be careful, but we have good quality players too. Of course, there’s Danny Welbeck as well [at Arsenal]. He was born here and will always have the right to receive a nice welcome."

Fellaini feels it was vital to get back to winning ways last weekend, ahead of the Arsenal match, and he was delighted to net the decisive goal at Crystal Palace.

"I think it was a very important victory because we needed it. After losing three games in a row, it was vital to win that one. Remember, it [Selhurst Park] is a hard place to play – Manchester City lost there and Liverpool too. It is difficult to win there but we did it. It’s good to score key goals. But if I score or someone else scores, it is all about winning the game and taking the three points."