Fellaini's Feel-good Factor

Marouane Fellaini has expressed his satisfaction with his own recent form and reflected on being captain of Manchester United for the first time.

The Belgian midfielder put in a good shift during an impressive team performance in last weekend's 2-0 win over Chelsea and was heavily involved when coming off the bench in the 60th minute against Anderlecht in Thursday's dramatic Europa League quarter-final second leg victory at Old Trafford. 

Indeed, the 29-year-old has been an increasingly influential figure under Jose Mourinho this season, which is illustrated by the fact he has already made more appearances in 2016/17 than in any other campaign since arriving at Old Trafford in the summer of 2013. Check out his stats...

Fellaini appeared for the 41st time in all competitions this season against Anderlecht and is also just three outings away from recording his best Premier League appearances total for the Reds, eclipsing 27 in 2014/15. He has caught the eye with a number of impressive displays of late, netting his third goal of the campaign and first in the league during last month's 3-1 win at Middlesbrough.

Speaking before Sunday's Premier League trip to Burnley, Fellaini stated he is feeling good about himself both physically and mentally and has vowed to continue working hard for the cause.

“I feel like I have been playing well in the last few games,” he told us. “When the manager puts me in the team, I give absolutely everything for the cause. I have confidence in the manager and the staff.

“I'm confident, I know what I can do, so I feel good in my mind and my body. I keep going and keep working hard and, when I get a chance to play, I always try to do well.”
 
In the absence of skipper Wayne Rooney and experienced players who have been captain, such as Michael Carrick, Chris Smalling and Juan Mata, Fellaini led out the Reds for the 3-0 win at Sunderland earlier this month – the first time he has worn the armband from the start in a competitive game.

It was a responsibility he felt honoured to receive and, after Ashley Young also took on captaincy duties against Chelsea, the no.25 highlighted the strength of leadership the Reds possess throughout the squad.

“It was my first time as captain in my professional career – I had worn the armband when I was young and when I was at Everton for a friendly match – but this was the first time officially,” Fellaini explained.

“It was a very proud moment to be the captain against Sunderland. It is always nice to be chosen to be the captain of the team. Of course, it is a big honour for me to be captain of Manchester United, even for one game with other players injured. Rooney was injured, Mata was injured, Smalling was injured and Carrick was on the bench so I was the oldest player in the team.

“It was a pleasure to be the captain. I think a lot of players can be the captain in this team, we have a strong squad. There is a lot of character and good players.”