Fellaini on a holiday phone call that told him Mourinho would back him

MAROUANE FELLAINI has reinvented himself in the eyes of Manchester United fans this season.

The midfielder was criticised after conceding a late penalty at Everton and was even booed by United fans at Old Trafford. But within the space of a few weeks, Fellaini has got the supporters back onside after proving himself an invaluable part of Jose Mourinho’s squad. Fellaini revealed his connection with Mourinho was first formed when the Special One called him immediately after taking charge last summer. He said: “I’ve always had good relationships with managers but with Jose I have a great relationship, I respect him and he gives me confidence.

“He called me on my holiday to say he trusted me. When a manager calls you and says you are part of his plans, then you will give everything for him.”

Fellaini is honest enough to admit his mistake in bringing down Everton’s Idrissa Gueye (right) as United dropped two points at Goodison at the start of December.

Mourinho made a point of bringing on Fellaini in their next Premier League game against Tottenham to show his support even as fans jeered, later promising that the Belgian would always have his protection.

“I made a mistake,” said Fellaini. “That’s it, done, next game. There was a problem with the fans booing me after the Everton game, but after that it was done. When I make a mistake I know it. When I do well I know it, when I do badly I know it.

“I am honest and I don’t need people to tell me. I don’t need to keep thinking about a mistake.

“When the manager asks me to do things on the pitch, I will try to do them well. I am a team player. I know I am not a player who will dribble past five players and score, but I know my quality. “I do my job and if the manager i s happy that is the most important thing.” United face Watford today and it was in the reverse