MAROUANE FELLAINI INSISTS there is a growing belief at Old Trafford that Manchester United are realistic Premier League title challengers.
While the former Everton midfielder – who much like the 20-time English champions is experiencing an upturn in fortunes – admits a return to the top four and UEFA Champions League qualification is the club’s main aim this season, Fellaini knows United are well placed to kick on.
Six successive wins means United are third, eight points adrift of leaders Chelsea, and are firmly banishing the memories of a painful 2013-14, when they finished a lowly seventh.
“Last season was not good enough for Manchester United,” Fellaini told The Times. “We know that and we are working hard to put that right.
“In some ways it is too early to talk about the title because we are still building and it is only December, but we are winning matches consistently again and when that happens your belief grows.
“At the very least we have to be in the top four; we must do that. I wanted this challenge.”
Fellaini endured a testing first season at United following his big-money move from Everton in September 2013, but it was a learning curve he has embraced.
He added: “It was a difficult moment because in all my career I hadn’t experienced anything like it.
“I played as a professional in Belgium for two years, I played with Everton for five, I have played with the national team for a long time and it was the first time I’d faced a situation like this.
“I learned a lot. I know the club now. I know the players. I am more confident and I am injury-free.”
That’s some half backline UCC have, intercounty standard! Maybe a bit light in the forwards with conway being the only standout name. But hopefully they will get a few more big names back from defeated clubs after this weekend.
Hope UCC win the cork championship, to highlight how crazy it is that they can compete.
@Gareth Ward: not a bad sub tipp senior mark kehoe
@Gareth Ward: “but hopefully they will get a few big names back”. Is that because they were playing with their clubs and not available tonight? Can you see how stupid your comment is when you look at it like that! UCC bring nothing to the Cork SHC. Amend the rules now so that students at the start of the season have to declare for their club or college. But can’t play with both. Let’s see how many Paddy Cadells /Paddy O’Loughlins they have then.
@Johnny B: Read my comment again and you’ll understand son. That is exactly what i mean. As i said i do hope they win it to highlight how crazy it is that they can take part.
I don’t particularly care what they add to the cork championship, which is why i want them to win!
@Gareth Ward: apologies. Twas late when I read your comment (and was after a few pints). Didn’t read it properly. Apologies again.
@Johnny B: Apparently they can get back montgomery from from waterford. And bill sheehan from dicksboro can play as well when he’s available. Assuming mark kehoe will start in the next game, they’ll have quiet a strong forward unit built up then!