Marouane Fellaini repays Jose Mourinho's faith as divisive midfielder leads Manchester United revival

Man Utd via Getty Images

Jose Mourinho was never more illuminated in the afterglow of a much-needed win against Burnley than when the subject of Marouane Fellaini was raised.

After a summer in which the Manchester United manager saw the club’s hierarchy veto his moves for key transfer targets, Fellaini represents a significant personal victory.

It was Mourinho who pushed for a new contract for the Belgian international, when his superiors were prepared to allow him to leave.

A divisive figure among supporters, Fellaini is one of Mourinho’s trusted lieutenants - and his role in Sunday’s 2-0 win at Turf Moor was pivotal.

Deployed in holding midfield, he provided a shield to a United defence that has been the source of such tension in recent months.

Man Utd via Getty Images

Mourinho was adamant he needed a top-class centre-back to make his side genuine Premier League title contenders.

Ed Woodward refused to back his moves for Harry Maguire, Toby Alderweireld and Jerome Boateng - leading to Mourinho’s sullen attitude throughout the summer and the start of the season.

Back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Tottenham, with six goals conceded in the process, only justified his demands for reinforcements.

His decision to sit Fellaini in front of Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof was indicative of his concerns over the pair, and his central defensive options in general.

And it may have provided a timely solution, at least until the January transfer window, when he can resume his search for a centre-back.

“Marouane in the air is not just the best for us and one of the best in the Premier League,” he said. “He was that cover in front of Victor and Smalling that made a comfortable job.”

Fellaini added: “The manager knows my qualities so he knows how I can help the team.

“I know what I have to do. I have certain experience, 10 years in the Premier League. When he gives me a chance I try to give everything.”

Victory, courtesy of two first-half goals from Romelu Lukaku, eased the pressure on Mourinho ahead of the international break.

But United remain six points off the pace at the top of the table, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Watford all making perfect starts to the campaign.

Fellaini, however, insists United’s title aspirations are very much alive.

In Pictures | Burnley vs Manchester United | 02/09/2018

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“We have the quality, that's for sure,” he said. “We have to stick together and play like we did last week (against Tottenham) in the first half.

“Ok, the second half was bad, but we have to keep this spirit and think about every game and be positive. I think when we play positive football we do well.

“It's the beginning of the season. The last two years we started very well.

“This season, a bit less, but the season is long so let's keep going.

“In the Premier League everything is possible so let's see.”

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