United’s qualification to the Round of 16 in the Champions League has helped Jose Mourinho keep his job… for now. United once again underperformed against an inferior side on Tuesday but were rescued in stoppage time by their savior. Who else? Marouane Fellaini. The Belgium midfielder is often the butt of many jokes but in all seriousness, he is a complete game changer whenever he comes on as a sub for both club and country. The ultimate “plan B” making him an important part of both Belgium and Manchester United.
During his time at United, Marouane Fellaini has scored nine game-winning goals. In fact, his goal against Young Boys was United’s first 90th min game-winner in a Champions League match since a certain Cristiano Ronaldo did it in 2007. This is partly because of the way that Mourinho uses him off the bench. Fellaini is undoubtedly a force in the air. A physical presence in the box that can win you almost any header. He also has great positioning inside the box allowing him to be in the right place at the right time. If he’s not looking to put one on frame, Fellaini is also excellent at flicking the ball or serving it near post for an open teammate.
On defense, Fellaini’s physicality helps United when they are pressuring high in the last few minutes. Though he can be a liability at times, he is seen as a brick wall thanks to his size and physicality. If he’s brought on during the dying moments of the game, his teams are usually in control of the ball therefore he’s not exposed for being out of position as he would normally would.
He’s a desperate plan for both Mourinho and even Roberto Martinez. An emergency target man/midfielder that can cause havoc inside the box. We all remember United’s comeback in Turin a few weeks ago where Fellaini’s flick to the far post eventually led to Juventus’ own goal. Not much is really expected from Fellaini in these situations. Just high intensity and dominance in the air.
He may not be the best tactical player in the World and can be a huge liability over the course of 90 minutes but Jose Mourinho has found a clear role for Marouane Fellaini and he is meeting all expectations. Next time you wonder why Mourinho wants to re-sign Fellaini, just think back at all of the times he’s helped United turn the score around.