The last remaining supporters of Marouane Fellaini in the Manchester United fan base will probably jump ship now. I can’t imagine there are too many hold outs left, but what happened today will no doubt force the last dead-enders to abandon this cause. United were up 1-0 at Everton today, and down the stretch Manager Jose Mourinho made some questionable moves that came off as trying not to lose, instead of trying to win.
That’s exactly what happened with the final result too. Just minutes after Fellaini came on, the Belgian made a clumsy challenge on the Toffees Idrissa Gueye, which resulted in the Red Devils giving away a cheap penalty.
Leighton Baines tied it up for Everton, and United dropped two points that they had in hand, partially, but largely due to the midfielder’s tremendous gaffe.
The player with hair resembling Sideshow Bob, brought over by David Moyes on the final day of the 2013 summer transfer window had what his probably his worst moment as a member of United, and as you know he’s had plenty. The showing prompted club legend Gary Neville to absolutely tear Fellaini apart.
Neville told Sky Sports (transcript via The Sun):
“It’s just rubbish from Fellaini. It’s obvious – as soon as you commit yourself in the box you’re in danger of giving a penalty away. It’s garbage from him.”
“It’s nothing to do with the manager. He’s made the substitution for the right reason and the player has let him down.”
“It is really pathetic from such an experienced player. He’s come on to actually see a game out. No composure and it was obvious what was coming, you could see it a mile off.”
“[His introduction] was purely to deal with the long balls into the box. You can see the sense in it but when he goes on and does such an idiotic thing like that…
“It was really poor from an experienced international. You can’t blame the management, it’s just a poor moment,” Neville concluded.
Mourinho defended his decision to bring on Fellaini in the 89′. You can read his entire comments on this matter at this link.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
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