• Premier League

Fellaini backs United for 21st title

Marouane Fellaini has admitted he was 'nervous' about his move to Manchester United © AP

Enlarge

Marouane Fellaini has shrugged off suggestions Manchester United are not strong enough to retain their Premier League title.

David Moyes completed a deal late on Monday night for his former Everton midfielder in what proved to be United's only major summer signing.

Uruguayan right-back Guillermo Varela arrived earlier in the window, but moves for Ander Herrera and Real Madrid's Fabio Coentrao collapsed at the death on deadline day. Moyes also missed out on top summer transfer target Cesc Fabregas.

United's late failures in the transfer market compounded Sunday's 1-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield, which left Moyes with four points from his first three games in charge.

But Fellaini has no doubts United's squad is good enough to make it 21 league titles this term.

"It will be tough, every year is tough for the big teams but I think Manchester United has the quality to win the championship so I look forward to this," he said.

"It is a big step for me. But I have played five years in England, I know the league and I know the players so I don't think I will have a problem with this move.

"Of course I look forward to it, I am playing with big players so I need to work hard for my place.

"To win a trophy with Manchester United and play a lot of games, that is important.

"I watched the game [against Liverpool] and in the second half the team played very well and had a lot of chances but couldn't score, but football is like this."

Fellaini could make his United debut against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford next Saturday after what he called a "great week" which was capped with Belgium beating Scotland 2-0 to take a big step towards World Cup qualification.

"When I started the campaign with Everton I looked forward to the transfer so in the end I was happy," he said.

"I was a little bit nervous on Monday but in the end I have my transfer and I have won with Belgium so I am happy.

"It wasn't my best game but we won and it was a good game for us. We scored in the first half and dominated the game and that was important."

Download ESPN's new UK sport app, a fresh and powerful new way to follow your favourite UK sports news, scores and video.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd