- Birthdate: 22 Nov 1987
- Birthplace: Etterbeek, Belgium
- Position: Midfielder
- Joined United: 02 Sep 2013
- Joined From: Everton
- International: Belgium
- United Debut: 14 Sep 2013 v Crystal Palace (H)
Marouane Fellaini completed a move to Manchester United with moments to spare on Monday 2 September 2013, transfer deadline day, and in doing so became the first major signing of David Moyes' time as United manager.
It was the second time the towering Belgium international had been bought by the then-Reds boss, who previously acquired his services for Everton in 2008. That deal - with the Toffees paying a club-record fee to Standard Liege - was also pushed through on transfer deadline day.
Fellaini's first season at United was a difficult one for the team, and the midfielder himself took time to adapt, though a succession of injuries did not help his progress. He finished the campaign with 21 appearances, before linking up with Belgium for the World Cup finals in Brazil, where he scored against Algeria and played in all five games as his country reached the quarter-finals.
Evidently buoyed by his World Cup success, United fans saw a rejuvenated man during the following campaign as the Louis van Gaal era began. He became a dominant physical presence and also chipped in with his fair share of goals, including important strikes against Spurs and Manchester City.
This was much more like the player who had thrived during his spell at Goodison; a player who had helped the Toffees finish fifth during his first season in the Barclays Premier League. His efforts also yielded the club's Young Player of the Year award, voted for by Everton supporters.
In his second season in England, Marouane caught the eye once again, prompting his manager to declare him the “best midfielder” in the top flight. Unfortunately, an ankle problem sustained during the Merseyside derby in January ruled him out for the rest of that campaign.
Fellaini's involvement in 2010/11 was also limited by injury but he produced his best form in the following season. Playing in a more advanced role, the Belgian became one of Everton’s primary attacking weapons, using his power and physical presence to great effect on a regular basis.
In 2012/13, he picked up where he left off - powering his way through United's defence to score the only goal in Everton's shock 1-0 win in the opening league match. Notably, the goals kept coming and by the end of the season, he was the Toffees' top scorer with 12 strikes to his name.
That was how his Everton career ended, on a high, for within two months of Moyes starting work with the Reds, the pair were reunited at Old Trafford. It was van Gaal who reaped extra benefit from the transfer by utilising the Belgian to good effect and showing he could be a key asset in the biggest games of the season. A winner at Crystal Palace virtually clinched a top-four spot and, as he celebrated with the away fans, it illustrated the affection he has earned from the Reds' support.
