Fellaini is no Maradona but he gets the goals, says Mourinho

LONDON: Marouane Fellaini (pic) is no Maradona but he scores important goals and deserves plenty of credit, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho said in a strong tribute to his big Belgian midfielder.

Fellaini’s stoppage-time winner against Swiss side Young Boys sent a mis-firing United into the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday.

“I think now everyone gives him what he deserves,” Mourinho said.

“Everybody knows Marouane is not (Diego) Maradona but everybody knows what Marouane is and what he can give ... this season and also last he did what strikers couldn’t do, which is score important goals in important moments.”

Fellaini has been at United since 2013, brought to the club by his former Everton boss David Moyes in a move that did not go down particularly well with fans.

Mourinho has been supportive, however, using Fellaini’s height and direct style to good effect in a variety of roles in defence and attack.

“This season you saw him as a third central defender against Burnley,” he said.

“And you saw him as a striker on many occasions and sometimes as a number eight, which is basically the position where Marouane has more balance and knowhow.

“But he’s very important in both boxes, first third and last third.

“Now people know what Marouane is and he also feels that good feeling.”