Player Focus: Is Marouane Fellaini Good Enough For Manchester United?

When Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed his intention to step down from his role with Manchester United at the end of the season, it was understandable to see the outpour of emotion from the footballing family, even from those that do not support the Manchester side. 

A career spanning 26 years at a single club is unheard of in the modern game, with the continuous chopping and changing of managers at a team evident in the fact that Brendan Rodgers, who was appointed by Liverpool last summer, will become the seventh longest serving Premier League manager by the time the campaign draws to an end.

When you further compare Ferguson’s managerial reign to clubs across Europe, the fact that Atletico Madrid have had 50 different managers, while Palermo 45, in the same timespan, it renders his exploits that much more impressive. 

Rumours were rife as to who would replace the 71-year-old on the Old Trafford throne, before it was officially announced that David Moyes would depart Everton in order to succeed his compatriot. 

“Stand by your new manager,” Ferguson told the home fans during his farewell speech following the 2-1 win over Swansea City on Sunday and if United fans are to witness unprecedented levels of success once again, it’s crucial that Moyes is given the necessary time to ensure he can showcase his managerial talents to the supporters.

Understandably, a number of current Everton stars have been linked with a big money switch to United, much like Wayne Rooney’s transfer in 2004. Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini are the main two that have been mooted with a possible move from Goodison Park to Old Trafford over the summer.

The latter in particular is one that supporters have been hopeful of acquiring following an impressive campaign with the Toffees. Attaining an average WhoScored.com rating of 7.6 is the fifth highest in the Premier League this season, with only Gareth Bale, Luis Suarez, Santi Cazorla and Robin van Persie ahead of the ‘Divine Afro’ in the rankings.

Much of that is down to his change of position in Everton’s starting XI this season, with the Belgium international netting 11 times, making him the their highest scorer in the Premier League. His goals have made up 20.4% of their 54 this campaign, with 27 of his 30 appearances coming as an attacking midfielder. 

Of those 11 strikes, five have been headers, which is the second highest in the Premier League, bettered only Swansea’s Michu (6). However, while his attacking importance is evidently highlighted further with his five assists, with only Steven Pienaar (6) laying on more goals for teammates this season, it’s the midfield capabilities that United fans would be eager to see replicated.

Since the days of Roy Keane, fans of the Premier League champions have seen a number of possible replacements come and go - most notably Kleberson and Eric ‘So good they named him twice’ Djemba-Djemba, who made a combined total of 40 domestic appearances in their two years at the club - but none have been able to replicate the tenacity of the now ITV pundit.

In true Keane style, the 25-year-old has committed the second most fouls in the Premier League this season (78), with only Norwich City battering ram Grant Holt (80) ahead of the Everton man in the race for that undesirable accolade. 

The player himself may be committing too many fouls, but the 79 tackles he has also made this season will likely appease United fans. Although he falls way behind first placed Morgan Schneiderlin (144) in the rankings, it remains an impressive feat nonetheless, particularly given that the Belgian has made all but 3 of his appearances in an attacking midfield role. 

As such, it currently sees Fellaini making an average of 2.6 tackles per game, the highest out of any Everton player, with only right back Rafael (3.1) making more when up against the current United team. 

Furthermore, when looking at his passing ability, his 1231 accurate passes this season sees him fall well behind Mikel Arteta (2457) in the Premier League rankings, but only behind Carrick (2367) and Evra (1238) of all United players. The fact that Everton have played 2954 long passes from their own half into the opposition’s - the eighth highest in the league - could be a reason why Fellaini ranks lower than those players.

While it’s the defensive capabilities that fans would be keen acquiring, Fellaini’s ability in the air means the Everton’s primary attacking option this term could become a plan B for United, should they move for him.

When looking at aerial duels, the less muscular Macy Gray is dominating the rankings of midfielders, having won 148 of his headed battles this season, with Norwich City’s Bradley Johnson his closest challenger with 76, although with the Everton man standing at 6”4, that is to be expected.

Nonetheless, not only do his defensive stats stand up against the United midfield, his aerial ability would bring another dimenstion to the attack. Like for Everton this season, he could be pushed further forward should Moyes require it of him, and with Rooney looking increasingly likely to depart Old Trafford this summer, the Scot could be killing two birds with one stone if he were to bring Fellaini with him to United.