Manchester United slipped to seventh in the Premier
League after winning the trophy in 2012-13, but have enjoyed something
of a renaissance under the Dutchman's management
United won the Premier League in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final campaign in 2012-13 but slipped to seventh after the former Everton manager replaced the Scot, with Moyes sacked just nine months into his reign.
Fellaini became a pariah during United’s campaign, having been signed for £27.5 million in the summer of 2013, but has grown to be a key player under Van Gaal’s management, and he believes the Dutchman’s no-nonsense style has been good for the club, as they currently sit in fourth place in the Premier League.
“The coach is very strict, but that’s good. We needed such a coach,” Fellaini is quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror.
“Last season, we had a bad season. We even missed European qualification. We needed a coach who would put some players’ feet back on the ground.
“If he says something, you should do it. Otherwise you’ll fly out of it [the team].
“If he has to take you off the pitch when the game hasn’t been going on for more than 30 minutes, he’ll do it. Or during half-time. Fortunately, it hasn’t happened to me yet.”
Fellaini also insists he never doubted his own ability during his hardships under Moyes, and says that Van Gaal has simply given him a platform to thrive.
“He [Van Gaal] told me, ‘Prove yourself and we’ll see’. Now they are counting on me,” he added.
“There were never any real doubts. I was injured at the beginning of the season and then returned. The coach gave me confidence and I proved myself in a few matches.
“After that, I was injured and I got sick. For three weeks I was on antibiotics. It took a while, but now I can finally enjoy things."
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