Mourinho on Fellaini: The Manchester United manager spoke highly about Marouane Fellaini ahead of the game against Southampton.
Manchester United cruised to the Champions League round-of-16 with a win over Swiss side Young Boys on Tuesday. Marouane Fellaini scored a late winner for the side as United secured a berth in the next round.
Jose Mourinho has now praised the Belgian midfielder for his work ethic and versatility ahead of the game against Southampton.
Manchester United are currently 7th in the Premier League and will aim to close the gap with the top-4 as they face the relegation-threatened side on Saturday.
Mourinho also stated that Manchester United can now solely focus on the league for the next month as the side has already qualified for the next round of the Champions League.
Mourinho on Fellaini:
Jose Mourinho stated that the midfielder can play anywhere in the field and that makes him special.
“Everyone knows he is not Maradona. But everyone knows what they can bring. It scores important goals in important moments that bring you important victories. He can play everywhere.”
Berbatov: “I used to play against Fellaini and he was a tricky opponent let me tell you. It was a good goal he scored against Young Boys and I have no criticisms of United playing long ball football late on – it’s good for the team that they have that option.” #mufc [Betfair]
— United Xtra (@utdxtra) November 29, 2018
Mourinho also insisted that the criticism about Manchester United lacking intensity on the field is unfair.
“I hope that this goal will be a click, but if someone cannot complain about the mentality, the desire and the conviction, it is us.
“I doubt that many clubs here or abroad win as many games and points in additional time.”
Jose Mourinho funny on @Fellaini “Everyone knows he is not Maradona. But everyone knows what he is + what he can give. Scores important goals in important moments that give you important victories. IHe can play third central defender, striker, number 8. V important in both boxes”
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) November 30, 2018
The manager also talked about Fellaini’s versatility, stating that the midfielder can occupy any position on the field.
“I think he now has all the credit he deserves, I think until I come, probably not, but I think now yes. I know him very well and I know the positions he can occupy, the work he can do.
Jose Mourinho: “Fellaini get many roles. I fit deploy am as defender when we dey face teams wey too dey cross, and i fit deploy am as striker when we wan win at all cost. Na for front e dey play better sha.” #MUFC [MEN]
— Man United in Pidgin (@ManUtdInPidgin) November 30, 2018
“This season, you saw him as 3rd defender against Burnley and you saw him as striker and No. 8, which is essentially the position where Marouane has the most balance and know-how, but he is very important in the first and last third of the field.”
