Marouane Fellaini’s comments about a manager linked with a move to Everton could give the Friedkin Group second thoughts.
Sean Dyche is under intense pressure at Everton and the incoming Friedkin Group reportedly have plans to appoint a new manager.
Dyche’s contract expires at the end of the season and whilst many Everton fans want David Moyes to replace Dyche, Fellaini’s past comments may change that.
Marouane Fellaini endured ‘nightmare’ season under David Moyes
Despite being one of Moyes’ best players during his time at Goodison Park, Fellaini was unable to replicate that in the early days at Manchester United.
Fellaini was the first signing of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era but made just 12 starts under Moyes and failed to score before the Scot was sacked in April 2014.
Speaking the official Man United podcast in March 2024, Fellaini opened up on the pressure and struggles he faced.
“The first year at Manchester United was very difficult for me because, like you said, I was the first signing after the era of Ferguson and it was not easy,” he explained.
“I’m honest and I always said that the first year was very difficult for me, but for the team too. We did a bad season, you know?
“It was a nightmare one for a few months. It was not easy at all and, when you are in this situation as well, mentally it’s not good, it’s not easy.”
The Belgian, who retired from football in February 2024 added that his first year at United “was the worst [season] in my career.”
Fellaini has no grudge towards David Moyes
Despite all of the struggles he faced under Moyes, there is still never any bad feeling from Fellaini towards him.
It was Moyes who brought the midfielder to England in the first place, signing Fellaini from Standard Liege in 2008 and he would go on to establish himself as one of Everton’s best players.
The pair couldn’t replicate their form together at Man United, but Fellaini still holds him in high regard.
He said: “I would never criticise David Moyes because he gave me my chance in England: I played under him nearly every game [at Everton].
“When Van Gaal arrived, it was a new change. He didn’t know English football, he didn’t know certain players and he didn’t know me too.
“When he arrived, he said to me: ‘I don’t count on you. You are my third, fourth, fifth choice’ and I said to him: ‘No problem, I’ll get training.’
“In my head, I was saying: ‘Let’s train and we will see in the end what happens.’ After that, [within] one week, 10 days, maximum two weeks, I started to play.”
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