Marouane Fellaini has reflected on how different football is for him this year compared to last. Under David Moyes, Fellaini looked dreadful.

When Louis van Gaal took charge, fans presumed the player would just be written off and shipped out. In a pre-season friendly, Fellaini’s every touch was met with ironic cheers and some boos from the crowd.

Fellaini is now one of United’s more important players and he is happy to be able to prove himself at a big club.

It is different now. The fans, the people, they are with me, not against me. Last season was bad for everyone — but I have had the strength to move on. That is football. I learned a lot from that. I am stronger mentally. I always thought I was, but now more than ever. I talked with the new manager and he told me I have to show him, prove to him. I accept that. I am a footballer so I like that competition. I said I will fight for my place and then we will see at the end of the season. This is a big club and I wanted to show I can play here. I worked hard. This season I haven’t played every game, but I have played more than last season. I play much better than last year, but the team play much better as well, so it has been good for us all. Now we’re one year on and I’ve forgotten about the past. It is a new challenge. About last season, I don’t care anymore. I play. That is all that matters.