Mourinho: I never doubted Marouane Fellaini

Oli Fisher

Jose Mourinho believes that his Manchester United team added to their momentum with a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace.

United swept past Palace at Old Trafford to leave the Eagles without a point or goal from seven Premier League matches this season.

United took the lead after just four minutes when Marcus Rashford darted into the penalty box and picked out Juan Mata.

Marouane Fellaini made it 2-0 in the 35th minute when he converted Ashley Young’s cross at the far post.

The Belgian added a third four minutes after the restart with a close-range header and it was 4-0 with five minutes left when his compatriot Romelu Lukaku tapped in after the visiting defence was torn open again.

United move on to 19 points from seven games with the win while Palace, trashed 5-0 at Manchester City last weekend, remain rooted to the foot of the table and next host defending champions Chelsea.

“Three points and a good performance,” the Portuguese boss said.

“We started strong and we finished strong. We rotated. We won and that’s the most important thing.”

Mourinho admitted that he had reservations about playing in Russia on Wednesday night and returning home to face Palace on Saturday.

“I had concerns. Palace had one week to prepare. They lost players during the week. We had to play in Russia. I had to make changes. The mentality allowed me to do that. Everybody wants to play.

“I could see the difference between Mkhitaryan and Fellaini. Mkhitarayan played and Fellaini didn’t in Russia.

“The momentum is good and the players are happy and confident.”

The former Chelsea boss also praised midfielder Marouane Fellaini, insisting he has always had faith in the Belgian.

“I always trusted Marouane since day one and try to give him confidence and show him how useful he is for the team.”