Fellaini was the pre-eminent figure. He had the most touches (98) and made the most passes (71) of anyone on the pitch. He was everywhere, covering 12.04km according to the Premier League tracking data. Again, that was more than anyone on either side. He was at the heart of things and gave his team a platform from which to play.
‘He’s not been great, has he?’ said Scholes, one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. ‘You have to admit that. For a central midfielder at Manchester United for £27m, I’m expecting a few goals at least.
‘He did have problems with his wrist and I know he missed a lot of games but, for the money they paid for him, I’d be expecting a lot more, to be honest with you.'
Asked if Fellaini should have been sent off, Scholes replied: 'Yes, without a shadow of a doubt. It's a proper bang into his jaw. How do you get away with that? I've no idea. The referee's stood five yards away.'
Off the ball work was poor on Tuesday
The transfer fee is not Fellaini's fault, Moyes and Woodward should share the blame. Better quality is needed in midfield against top teams. The club seemingly acknowledge this based on the players we have been linked with. Fellaini will be a useful squad player. No harm in having player of his quality to play against lesser teams if the squad is supplemented with quality. He will have a better United career than the likes of Anderson.
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