"Marouane Fellaini is undroppable; ...gives Manchester United team necessary balance" - Louis van Gaal

Louis van Gaal has admitted that Marouane Fellaini is currently impossible to drop because of the Belgian’s form for Manchester United.

Fellaini has emerged as a key player for the manager after he struggled last season under Van Gaal’s permanent predecessor, David Moyes, when joining from Everton. The 27-year-old has been used recently in an advanced role by Van Gaal and scored a fine goal in the 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Fellaini was also a standout performer in the 2-1 victory at Liverpool in United’s last match – and recent performances have impressed the Dutchman.

“When he plays as he does now I cannot change him,” said Van Gaal, who was asked what had been done to revive Fellaini’s fortunes. “The first time I met him he was late [returning for pre-season] because of the World Cup. I didn’t know him. I knew him as a coach, that he played for Man United and Everton and national team, but the first time I saw him was in Manchester.

“I have heard a lot of stories about him but from the first training session he did what I asked. He was open and he wants to perform so I am not surprised. He had an unlucky season because he was injured and ill [this year], but when fit he has always played for me because I was looking for a balance and he can give a lot of balance.”

Credit: Jamie Jackson/Guardian Sport