Van Gaal praises Fellaini contribution to season

Mark Holmes
Marouane Fellaini: Praised by Louis van Gaal ahead of Liverpool game

Marouane Fellaini: Praised by Louis van Gaal ahead of Liverpool game

Louis van Gaal has praised Marouane Fellaini’s contribution to Manchester United this season but refused to confirm whether he will face Liverpool.

Bastian Schweinsteiger is not deemed fit enough to start, so Fellaini – whose substitution on Sunday was cheered by disgruntled United fans – could continue his record of starting for United against Liverpool.

“I cannot say if he will play (on Thursday) because then I give part of my line-up and I don’t want to do that,” Van Gaal said.

“Fellaini has his way of playing and he can give us a lot of qualities. He has contributed to a lot of games in a very good way.

“For me, it’s very important if he can contribute in the game-plan that we have created with each other. That’s the main thing.

“When I put a player in a line-up, then I think he can do better than other players in that position.

“That’s why I select players for the line-up. If Fellaini is selected you shall see in the line-up.”

Ashley Young and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson are unlikely to play a part despite training on the eve of the match, but Juan Mata is available having missed the FA Cup draw with West Ham through suspension.