Fellaini: I left Man Utd as a “respected player”

Marouane Fellaini says he left Manchester United as a “respected” player following his winter transfer to Chinese Super League club Shandong Luneng Taishan.

The 31-year-old Belgian midfielder ended a five-year association with the Red Devils in January after interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made him surplus to requirements.

Fellaini at Old Trafford. Four things to know…

• Signed: from Everton for a reported £27.5m in 2013
• Appearances: 177
• Goals (assists): 22 (12)
• Honours: 2016 FA Cup, 2017 League Cup, 2017 Europa League

Since joining from Everton in the summer of 2013, as one of the first signings made by his former Everton boss David Moyes who had the unenviable task of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson, the Brussels-born midfielder has been a sticky point for United’s supporters.

Although many at Old Trafford appreciated his work ethic, and knack of scoring important late goals, Fellaini wasn’t universally loved.

Fellaini was often installed as a scapegoat for the Red Devils’ plight as the club went through no fewer than three managers during his period at the club.

The Belgian, who rarely started in his final season at the club, would often be utilised as a target man to varying degree of success. Nevertheless, looking back, Fellaini enjoyed his time and counters anyone who says it wasn’t a successful period.

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“My first season in Manchester was difficult, but I left as a respected player,” he told Het Niuewsblad.

“I gave my very best for this club, played so many games and almost only scored important goals.

“I worked with super players and managers at one of the biggest clubs in the world. Then you can only look back with a smile.”

What can Fellaini expect in China?

Fellaini leaves a rejuvenated Manchester United side under Solskjaer who are chasing a top-four finish in the Premier League and FA Cup success.

His new employer, Shandong Luneng Taishan, finished third in the Chinese Super League last season and 10 points behind eventual champions Shanghai SIPG.

It means Li Xiaopeng’s men qualified for the 2019 AFC Champions League play-offs which they subsequently progressed from to reach the group stages.

The new league season begins on March 1 with Shandong Luneng, whose foreign players include Brazilian duo Gil and Róger Guedes, welcoming Beijing Renhe.

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