Ferocious Fellaini

With all the talk pre-match about how Andy Carroll was going to give Manchester United problems in their FA Cup quarter-final replay at West Ham, another tenacious big man stepped forward, and proved to be the most unlikely of match-winners in the East End.

The watching media scoffed on their lukewarm pies as the Upton Park stadium announcer labelled Carroll the "goal king", but what unfolded before their very eyes evoked much more bewilderment, as the 20-time top flight champions ran out 2-1 winners - largely thanks to an impressive showing from an unlikely source.

Marouane Fellaini is much-maligned among the United faithful, who feel the fiery Belgian doesn't play the 'United way', but in games as keenly contested as Wednesday night's replay, Fellaini came into his own.

While the Hammers struggled to string more than three or four passes together, Fellaini was in his element - frustrating the opposition with some timely interceptions and full-blooded aerial challenges.

Only Carroll won more aerial duels than Fellaini all game, with the 28-year-old also heading back to Manchester with a 100 per cent tackle success rate.

What made Fellaini's performance all the more impressive, and somewhat surprising, was how adept he was when on the attack.

Despite playing a key role in keeping the Hammers' counter attacks at bay, Fellaini made 19 forward passes in the opposition half, and helped create an opportunity for Jesse Lingard that he should have put away in the first half.

For the strike which proved to be the difference between the sides, Fellaini actually started and finished the move, earning him a goal that his all-action endeavours warranted.

Fellaini earned the switch to Old Trafford in the first place by excelling as that late-arriving target man at Everton, but since his move east down the M62, Fellaini has not given United that sort of outlet on a consistent basis.

However, the tactic was clear as Daley Blind only had one thing in his mind as he saw that distinctive figure making his way forward in the 67th minute.

Not content with just winning the header that allowed Lingard space to instigate United's second, Fellaini maintained his run, and finished off the move after Anthony Martial had driven the ball back towards goal.

One particular moment summed up just how driven Fellaini was, as he chased back, without fouling, as Enner Valencia carried the ball forward, at pace, on the counter. The Ecuadorian was never escaping Fellaini's clutches.

Louis van Gaal has been banging the Belgian's drum all season, often seemingly without justification to do so.

However, the Dutchman was allowed to bask in his decision to select Fellaini, as he smugly answered media questions in the aftermath of the win.

"Fellaini is always doing what we are asking," Van Gaal said. "There is sometimes criticism on his way of playing but he has certain qualities and I like that because that's also with Andy Carroll and not many players have that quality. That's the most important thing and that's why he also starts for Belgium, because he has that quality."

It may be too little too late for Fellaini to earn a spot in what is likely to be a revamped United squad next season, but on a night when another aerial powerhouse was supposed to steal the headlines, Fellaini provided a reminder that he isn't giving up an a prolonged United career just yet.

Credit: Skysports.com