• Premier League

Fellaini 'tired' despite finding his feet at United

Marouane Fellaini scored his first competitive goal for United at Old Trafford in the victory against Stoke © PA Photos

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Marouane Fellaini has admitted he is starting to feel tired as he transitions from a bit-part player to life as a first-choice regular in the Manchester United team.

Fellaini has started United's last six Premier League fixtures, his longest run in the side after joining from Everton in 2013. However, the greater workload is taking its toll on the midfielder, who scored his second goal of the season in Tuesday's 2-1 win against Stoke.

"I feel a little bit tired as I start to play every game so I feel the fatigue, but I have to rest and work hard again," said Fellaini, whose first-half header off a high cross from Ander Herrera was his first competitive goal for United at Old Trafford.

"It's good for the confidence to score the goal so it was a great cross as well, it was a great combination," Fellaini said.

United have recorded four straight wins, which is their best run under manager Louis van Gaal. Like team-mate Chris Smalling, Fellaini believes the players are warming to the Dutchman's methods and are getting used to his style of play.

"We have to continue like that, to continue to win. We know each other a lot better, we know the manager and the staff so, we know the philosophy of the manager, we train hard as well so we have to continue like that."

Since losing to Swansea on the first day of the season, United have won six of their seven home games and Fellaini feels they are following Van Gaal's wishes and turning Old Trafford back into a fortress.

"Slowly, yes. We have to continue like that [so] when the teams come to Old Trafford it is difficult to beat [us]," said Fellaini.

Great xmas dinner with the boys!!! @felli31 @anders.lindegaard

Et bilde publisert av Robin van Persie (@robinvanpersie) Des. 12, 2014 at 2:51 PST

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