Fellaini: I thought I would leave Manchester United

Manchester United's 27-year-old midfielder Marouane Fellaini has admitted that he expected to leave the Red Devils last summer but has hit back at criticism of his form during what proved to be a difficult first season at Old Trafford. 

He joined the club for a transfer fee of £27.5million pounds on transfer deadline day, but was unable to settle into his new surroundings, and was heavily criticised for his displays during the 2013-14 season. Rumours ran riot that he would be sold to Italian side Napoli, but the move fell through as he suffered an injury and was sidelined for six weeks. 

When asked whether he had thought he would leave the club, he said: "Yes, but I have a contract. I talked with the new manager and he told me I have to show him, prove to him. I accept that. I am a footballer so I like that competition; I said I will fight for my place and then we will see at the end of the season."

On last season's disappointments: "It was a difficult season for everyone, not just me, but the criticism was on me because I was the transfer of Moyes. I did [play] some good games but even those I was criticised for. A lot of people talked about me, about my quality. I had played five years in England and every season I played very well for Everton. Then, for one year, I lost my football, I lost my quality, I lost everything. Bulls***. That's my opinion, and now my quality has come back. But, that's not right."

On how he has improved under new management at United: "It didn't work well for me [initially], but you learn to adjust day by day, coming in, training, seeing the same people walking about. It is nearly two years now - and then it is just your club. This is a big club and I wanted to show I can play here, I worked hard. This season I haven't played every game, but I have played more than last season. I play much better than last year, but the team play much better as well, so it has been good for us all."