LONDON (Reuters) - Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has been trusted and valued since day one, manager Jose Mourinho said after the Belgian scored a brace in a 4-0 Premier League victory against Crystal Palace on Saturday. The Belgian has often been a peripheral and derided figure since arriving at Old Trafford from Everton in 2013 but under Mourinho is becoming a crucial asset in a star-studded United squad. With big money signings such as Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic claiming many of the plaudits in midfield for a United team who have claimed 19 points from a possible 21 to sit joint-top of the fledgling table, Fellaini has quietly become a key piece of Mourinho's team. After Juan Mata's opener, Fellaini volleyed home his first before a headed second took his tally to four goals in eight games in all competitions this season. "I think Marouane has important qualities and I try to use them depending on the situation and what they team needs.

Source: The Star September 30, 2017 21:00 UTC