Marouane Fellaini says ‘nightmare’ Man Utd season was ‘worst ever’ and reveals Van Gaal’s brutal first words to him
FORMER Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has opened up about the “worst season” of his career.
Fellaini, 36, joined the Red Devils in 2013 following a five-year spell at Everton.
He was signed by David Moyes, who had just swapped Goodison Park for Old Trafford himself at the time.
The Belgian made just 21 appearances during his first season at the club and failed to impress.
Moyes, Sir Alex Ferguson‘s successor, was sacked amid Man Utd‘s disastrous run of form.
And Fellaini has admitted the seven-month period was a “nightmare” and the “worst” of his 17-year career.
He told MUTV: “The first year at Manchester United was very difficult for me because I was the first signing after the era of Ferguson and it was not easy.
“I’m honest and I always said that the first year was very difficult for me, but for the team too. We had a bad season.
“It was a nightmare one for a few months. It was not easy at all and, when you are in this situation as well, mentally it’s not good, it’s not easy.
“I played five years for Everton, doing very well [and getting] respect from everybody. Then you go to a big club and mentally it’s difficult, as your football is not the same.
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“You know, for me, it was the worst [season] in my career, my first year in Manchester. After that, it was much, much better.
“I would never criticise David Moyes because he gave me my chance in England. I played under him nearly every game [at Everton].”
Following Moyes’ departure and Ryan Giggs‘ interim spell, Louis van Gaal was appointed as United’s permanent manager.
Discussing the Dutchman’s arrival, Fellaini admitted: “When he [Van Gaal] arrived, he said to me: ‘I don’t count on you. You are my third, fourth, fifth choice’ and I said to him: ‘No problem, I’ll get training’.
“In my head, I was saying: ‘Let’s train and we will see in the end what happens.’ After that, [within] one week, 10 days, maximum two weeks, I started to play.”
Fellaini went on to spend five-and-a-half years at Man Utd, making 177 first team appearances.
He joined Shandong Taishan in 2019 and went on to score 50 goals in 141 appearances.
The midfielder announced his retirement from professional football last month with a heartfelt statement that read: “I am writing this post to announce that after a career of 18 years, I am retiring from professional football.
“But it all started long before these 18 years. I remember, like the day of yesterday, my first game as a child, the endless training sessions with my dad, my first selection for Standard de Liege, and my first selection for the Belgian national team. Time flies!
“What an incredible journey it has been! I am so grateful to have played the sport I love at the highest level.
“I am proud to have represented Standard in Belgium, Everton and Manchester United in the UK, and Shandong Taishan in China.
“It was an honor to have played for the Belgian national team at the Olympics of 2008, Euro 2016 and the World Cups of 2014 and 2018.”