Louis van Gaal has confirmed that he intends to give Marouane Fellaini the chance to play as a striker after impressing as a target man last season.
The Belgian international revitalized his Manchester United career last season after his manager gave him the opportunity to play in a more advanced role alongside Wayne Rooney.
Fellaini has missed the opening three league games of the season after picking up a straight red against Hull City but the 27-year-old impressed in a brief cameo against Club Brugge on Wednesday, heading in a vital late goal to give van Gaal’s side a 3-1 win.
With Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez the only experienced strikers in his squad the United manager intends to give Fellaini further opportunities in attack in the weeks to come, confirming ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League second leg: "He can play as a no.9 and a no.10, and he can also play as a no.6 and no.8.
"This year he will play more as a no.9 and no.10 rather than 6 and 8 because there we have other players."
And that is a role Fellaini is eager to impress in, insisting he is happy to move further forward.
"In the past I have played no.9 and no.10. I have to help the team. I can play there,” the midfielder said.
"It's not important where I play, the most important thing is to win the game. Of course it's different but I enjoy all the positions I can play in.
"Everyone knows my first season was difficult, but now it's in the past. I look forward.
"Last season I did quite well and I want to continue. I know my team-mates, the manager and his philosophy. I am looking to do well and score goals."
