Tuesday 21 October 2014 08:02, UK
Marouane Fellaini hopes to play a more prominent role for Manchester United after scoring his first goal for the club in the 2-2 draw with West Brom at The Hawthorns.
The Belgian midfielder has endured a miserable time in Manchester since former boss David Moyes brought him to the club, but he made a positive impression on successor Louis van Gaal after scoring just two minutes after coming on as a substitute at half-time.
A late strike from Daley Blind then rescued a point for United after Saido Berahino had regained the lead for the hosts, but Fellaini could not take too much enjoyment out of a rare highlight in his United career.
He told Sky Sports: “My first goal this season and for Manchester United as well. It was good for me but the result is a disappointment.
It was a great feeling. I have waited a long time for this moment. I hope I can score some more goals for us this season.
“Our next two games are difficult. For the confidence, this is not good."
Asked about his instructions from Van Gaal, he said: “I have to put pressure on and get into the box. I did that and scored, so that was good for me and the team.
“It was a great feeling. I have waited a long time for this moment. I hope I can score some more goals for us this season.”
Fellaini could have left in the summer if a training ground injury had not ended talk of a loan move to Napoli, but he is now determined to stake his claim for a regular role in United’s line-up.
“It was very difficult but I work every day,” he said. “I know that when I’m 100 per cent fit I can be dangerous. Football is like this – sometimes there are bad moments. But I’m ready for the challenge and to play every game.
“I’m happy here. The manager trusts me. I work hard every day. Do I enjoy working hard for this manager? Of course.”
