Marouane Fellaini joined United on the transfer deadline day two summers ago when David Moyes was just beginning his first season in charge at the club. For whatever reason, Moyes elected to consistently use Fellaini in a deeper midfield role than what he had played in at Everton. The change was likely due to Moyes’ wish to play a defensive style of football, but the result was unfortunately that Fellaini was misused. Fans, myself included, hated the sight of seeing Fellaini come into the game and the Belgian soon became a symbol of Moyes’ failed tenure in Manchester.

This season, Fellaini has taken strides towards redemption under Louis van Gaal. Van Gaal, unlike Moyes, has used the big man in his natural attacking position as an attacking midfielder and an aerial threat. Earlier in the season, he was used mainly as a backup plan when United were in desperation time for points, but now he has been starting ahead of fan favorite Juan Mata. Is the move warranted?

The Good:

Fellaini is excellent at controlling the ball with his chest and head, allowing him to bring the ball down and distribute to other players or have a shot on goal. He poses a constant threat to opposing defenders, as the ball can be lobbed into him at any time with the possibility of a chance materializing out of nothing. The style of play may not be what United fans want to see, but it has been relatively successful at capturing points late in games. In 17 appearances for United in the EPL this season, Fellaini has 4 goals on an average of 1.5 shots per game. Most of the attempts have come off of his right foot or head from within the penalty area. (WhoScored)

Fellaini battles Coquelin at Old Trafford [Credit: @Arsenal_France]Fellaini’s touch and passing have improved this season, just look at the goal that United scored against Swansea in the 2-1 defeat. The attack began with a one-two pass between Fellaini and Shaw, springing Shaw down the flank and ultimately leading to a goal. According to Squawka, Fellaini has a 87% passing accuracy, bettering that of Van Persie, Rooney, and Young. More surprisingly, per WhoScored, he is ranked 11th in terms of most often losing possession through poor touch, behind players such as di Maria, and Rooney and Young again.

Defensively, Fellaini has the ability to drop deeper into the midfield, unlike Mata who has no sense of defensive requirements. He’s critical in clearances from opposing set pieces in a team who otherwise lacks defensive height, aside from perhaps Chris Smalling. Fellaini also ranks third for United in tackles per game and fourth in blocks, per WhoScored. Perhaps most importantly in terms of the defensive contribution Fellaini provides is the option for our defenders to relieve pressure by clearing the ball out to Fellaini.

To summarize, Fellaini is an excellent aerial player that contributes defensively even from an attacking role. His finishing is also better than one would expect.

The Bad:

The downside is that Fellaini’s touch hasn’t improved to equal the quality of Mata’s. He still struggles to facilitate attacks on a consistent basis, and fans want to see a better style of play instead of direct long balls into Fellaini. On the counter attack, Fellaini is also unable to break forward with pace and push the attack forward, unlike that of Mata or Herrera.

Per WhoScored, Mata is third on the team with five goals in the EPL, tied for fourth in assists with Herrera at three, and is third in key passes per game with 1.3. So it’s hard to argue that Mata has a better understanding of the attack. Likewise, the Spaniard clearly possesses better technical ability than Fellaini.

The Ugly:

Another criticism fans have for Fellaini is that he commits far too many fouls, often leading to yellow cards. These fouls, depending on the location on the field, put United under pressure from set pieces. Moreover, there’s always the worry that United could go down a man should Fellaini receive a second yellow for another reckless foul.

The Verdict:

In my opinion, the best way to utilize Fellaini is to pair him alongside Mata or Herrera in the attacking midfield. Fellaini would provide the brawn while either Mata or Herrera would provide the finesse. United would still have Fellaini to look to for long balls should that option be on but there would also be the option to possess the ball and maneuver up the field. Moreover, while Mata wouldn’t be able to contribute defensively, Fellaini would be able to do his part. The major concern with this formation would be leaving the holding midfielder on his own. But after seeing the match against Arsenal when Blind and Carrick played alongside each other and still got overpowered, I don’t think it would be detrimental to play only one at holding. Fellaini and Mata attacking would cause panic for any defender in the league.