Man Utd: Marouane Fellaini Can't Be Dropped – Louis Van Gaal

Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini is in such good form that he cannot be dropped, says manager Louis van Gaal.

The 27-year-old, a £27.5m signing from Everton in 2013, was jeered by some United fans during pre-season.

He has started the last four games, and scored three goals in two matches for Belgium during the recent international break.

“When he is playing like he is now, I cannot change him,” said Van Gaal.

Fellaini did not score in 21 matches in an injury-interrupted first season at Old Trafford and said he felt like a scapegoat for the club's struggles under then manager David Moyes.

Since Van Gaal took charge, Fellaini has scored five goals in 23 games for United in all competitions this term and was given a standing ovation after the 3-0 victory over Tottenham in March.

“From the first training session, he did what I asked of him,” said Van Gaal, who said he is “not surprised” by Fellaini's form.

“I said, 'you have to do this, or do this differently' and he was open and wanted to perform that.

“He's had an unlucky season because he was injured and ill a lot of times, but when he's been fit he's always played for me, more or less.

“I was looking for balance in the team and he can bring that.”

United are fourth in the Premier League table, eight points behind leaders Chelsea with eight games remaining, but Van Gaal has not ruled out winning the title.

“Mathematically, we can still do it,” he said.
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