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Manchester United's Wayne Rooney grateful for Marouane Fellaini "option"

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney believes that a revived Marouane Fellaini is a crucial member of the team.

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney believes that Marouane Fellaini's impact at Old Trafford this season is down to manager Louis van Gaal.

The Belgian international was roundly mocked for a poor debut season with the Red Devils following David Moyes's £27m purchase from Everton.

However, under Van Gaal, the midfielder has become a key figure within the team and was a major influence in United's 4-2 win over local rivals Manchester City on Sunday.

"He is being used in the right way by the manager, and he is repaying the manager with goals and good performances," The Express quotes Rooney as saying.

"We like to play out from the back but if teams are pressing us then we have him as an option. He is big, strong and difficult for defenders to mark. He is probably the best in world football at bringing the ball down and getting us out of that pressure and further up the pitch.

"Last year was awful for him but he kept his head down, worked hard and came through that tough period."

United are currently third in the Premier League table, eight points behind leaders Chelsea.

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Marcos Rojo of Manchester United slides in as Sergio Aguero of Manchester City and Wayne Rooney battle for the ball during the Barclays Premier League game at the Etihad on November 2, 2014
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3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
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8Aston Villa125431919019
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12Manchester UnitedMan Utd124441313016
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19Crystal Palace121561017-78
20Southampton121110924-154


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