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Marouane Fellaini revealed his family were hurt by the criticism aimed at him during his difficult first year at Manchester United.

The Belgium international became one of the most expensive players in United's history when he signed for £27.5 million from Everton in September 2013.

But he failed to score a goal in his first season at the club as defending champions United only finished seventh in the Premier League.

And Fellaini became a target in a year when he struggled with injuries and poor form as he was former manager David Moyes' first major signing as United manager.

Marouane Fellaini has become an important member of Louis van Gaal's side © PA Photos Enlarge

"The criticism didn't affect me," the 27-year-old told The Times. "I care a little bit about what people say, of course, but I also have to put it out of my mind and do my job. My concern was for my family, my mum and dad and my brothers, because when [critics] were saying bad things about me I know it will have been very hard for them.

"I would speak to them and tell them that I would continue to work hard and hopefully it would come good. Thankfully, that is what is happening.

"It was a difficult moment because in all my career I hadn't experienced anything like it. I played as a professional in Belgium for two years, I played with Everton for five, I have played with the national team for a long time and it was the first time I'd faced a situation like this. I learnt a lot."

Fellaini has won a place back in the team under new manager Louis van Gaal and has started United's last eight games.

He added: "I know the club now. I know the players. I am more confident and I am injury-free. That is why this season is better for me. Last season we didn't play well as a team and it was easy for people outside the club to say it was me because the manager [Moyes] had brought me with him [from Everton], but that was something I had to deal with."

United have won their last six games to climb up to third in the league and, while they finished 25 points behind champions Chelsea last season, Fellaini believes they could mount a title challenge.

"Last season was not good enough for Manchester United," Fellaini said. "We know that and we are working hard to put that right. In some ways it is too early to talk about the title because we are still building and it is only December, but we are winning matches consistently again and when that happens your belief grows.

"At the very least we have to be in the top four; we must do that. I wanted this challenge."

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