Sunday 18 December 2016 14:32, UK
Jose Mourinho has praised the support of the Manchester United fans at West Brom on Saturday, reserving a special thanks for the reception afforded to Marouane Fellaini.
Fellaini has failed to start a game since the beginning of November and when introduced with six minutes to go against Everton recently at Goodison Park, he gave away a crucial penalty for which he received wide criticism.
The Belgium midfielder was then jeered at Old Trafford in the 1-0 victory over Spurs when warming up on the touchline and as such, Mourinho was appreciative of the welcome reception Fellaini received by United fans when brought on in the 83rd minute of the 2-0 win at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
"The fans are fantastic," Mourinho said. "They had just an impulsive reaction because of Marouane's naive reaction against Everton, but they know that Marouane is a guy that gives absolutely everything.
"Inside the dressing room people love the guy and it's important for him to get that good feeling of knowing the fans are behind him."
As a gesture of goodwill, Mourinho also instructed his players to throw their shirts into the away section of the Hawthorns following the victory.
"I told them to do that, [it's] Christmas time," Mourinho added. "A shirt for a fan, coming direct from the game with sweat, means a lot.
"For them [United players], it is just another shirt that they would give to the kit man, or give to some friend, or they change with some West Bromwich Albion friends. I think to a fan it means a lot.
"It is a pity that not everyone can get one, but, for the ones who get it, I think it is a great feeling."
