After being linked with a new striker arriving at Manchester United for much of the summer, Louis van Gaal has now revealed that the club’s new frontman for this season is already a member of the United squad.
Marouane Fellaini is known to be versatile midfield player and it seems the midfielder will now be switching roles full time, for this year at least. The Belgian has been deployed as a target man before during his career and van Gaal now says the Belgian will be used as a striker this season.
”He can play as a No.9 and a No.10, and he can also play as a No.6 and No.8,” declared van Gaal. ”This year he will play more as a No.9 and a No.10 rather than 6 and 8 because we have other players.”
The Red Devils have been linked to the likes of Neymar, Thomas Muller and Harry Kane this summer, but this latest revelation indicates that van Gaal may now be giving up on bringing in a new striker before the transfer window closes next week.
Not that Fellaini is complaining. The 27-year-old admirably insists he is happy to play anywhere, and that regardless of position, his main job is just to help the team to win the game.
”In the past I have played No.9 and No.10. I have to help the team. I can play there. It’s not important where I play, the most important thing is to win the game. Of course it’s different but I enjoy all the positions I can play in.”
Fellaini endured a difficult first season at Old Trafford but began to settle more into life at United as last season progressed. The former Everton man admits he struggled initially, but insists that is now the past as he now embarks on what will be his third campaign with the club.
”Everyone knows my first season was difficult but it’s in the past now and I look forward. Last year I did quite well and I want to continue like that so I just look forward to doing well and scoring some goals.”