Man United supporters will learn to love Fellaini – Mourinho

Jose Mourinho insists Manchester United supporters will finally start to “love” Marouane Fellaini this season.

Marouane Fellaini

Belgium midfielder Fellaini – much-maligned in the past – impressed on Sunday after United eased to a 3-1 victory at Bournemouth thanks to goals from Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“With Fellaini I always have the feeling that he was not loved by the general Red people,” Mourinho said. “But, if he plays like he’s playing now, they have to love him because he’s being so important for us.”

Fellaini told MUTV: “It was a tough game for both sides. Bournemouth played well in the first half. In the second half we kept the ball better and created more chances and more possibilities for ourselves. We took those chances and got the win which was good for us.

“I hope we will see more goals this season but we have to keep working and keep improving every game and every session. The manager is helping bring this feeling of aggression and character that we need to win games which is very important.

“We have to improve every game if we want to do something well this season and we want to prove to everyone that Man United are back.”

Fellaini reserved praised for this summer’s new signings at Old Trafford, especially Ibrahimovic and Eric Bailly.

“The new guys are good and bring quality,” Fellaini added. “Zlatan had one chance and got one goal which is good for us. Bailly was strong defensively and in the Premier League we need that and we hope he can continue like that.

“Like everybody, I want to start so I’m happy to start today and show my quality and show the manager what I can do.”