Friday 9 September 2016 11:49, UK
Marouane Fellaini has vowed to continue repaying the faith Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has shown in him - starting with Saturday's Manchester derby.
The Belgium international came to personify Louis van Gaal's lethargic style of play at United last season, bearing the brunt of the criticism levelled at the Dutchman's side.
Fellaini, however, has since experienced something of a renaissance following Mourinho's appointment at Old Trafford, playing every minute of United's four competitive games in the heart of midfield.
And, with the 172nd derby with neighbours Manchester City on the horizon, Fellaini is intent on utilising the confidence Mourinho's trust in him has created to silence his doubters.
"Louis van Gaal trusted me, I played a lot of games. This season, though, I'm playing in my position and I feel the trust of the manager," he told Sky Sports.
"He has given me confidence and I will give everything. [Mourinho's faith] has had a big impact on me because when someone trusts you 200 per cent you have to repay that."
Asked if he was surprised by the amount of game-time he has received under Mourinho, the Belgian added: "The manager knows my qualities, he knows what I can do.
"He spoke to me on the first day when I arrived back from holiday and I have worked hard like I do every time.
"I don't need to explain myself, all the managers I've had know my quality. I'm here today and I'm trying hard like I always do to give my best on the pitch."
Signed from Everton for £27.5m in 2013, Fellaini will embark on his seventh top-flight Manchester derby when Pep Guardiola's men make the short trip to Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime.
The game sees United boss Mourinho renew his rivalry with his old adversary Guardiola, adding an extra dimension to the usually intense fixture.
And Fellaini can't wait to sample the atmosphere, adding: "Everyone wants to play these games, it's a big game, a derby and everyone in the world will watch this game so it is an important game for both teams.
"When you play against Liverpool and City the tension is there but I think it is very big this season because there are new managers and players.
"A lot of players have come to this country this season, as too have a lot of great managers so this season it's special.
"There will be a lot of challenges, the crowd will be behind us so it will be a good game."
