Four reasons why Man United will miss Marouane Fellaini at Liverpool FC

Marouane Fellaini will miss Man United's trip to Anfield Photo: Oulala

Marouane Fellaini’s knee injury is a blow to Manchester United’s preparations for their trip to Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.

The Belgium midfielder, who suffered a knee problem while on duty with his national side, has become increasingly important to the Red Devils since Jose Mourinho’s appointment over 12 months ago as the new Manchester United manager.

While Sadio Mane’s hamstring injury is an obvious setback for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool, the effect of Fellaini’s absence shouldn’t be underestimated given his performances for Manchester United so far this season.

Indeed, fantasy football website Oulala have used stats to underline four reasons why Fellaini’s injury is a blow to Manchester United despite previously being a figure of ridicule at Old Trafford.

In the 95 games where Fellaini has featured for the Red Devils, Manchester United boast a win percentage of 53% as opposed to 50% in 64 games where the towering midfielder has been absent.

What’s more Manchester United score more goals with Fellaini in the team with an average of 1.64 goals per game (153 in total), while the title contenders can only muster 1.50 goals per game without the former Everton man.

It isn’t as big a surprise to learn Manchester United concede less goals with the 6ft 4ins midfielder in their starting X1 – that’s a record of 0.86 per game with Fellaini but 1 per game without the number 28.

Naturally given the aforementioned stats, Manchester United have a better points per game with Fellaini in the team (1.83 to 1.78).

So while Liverpool fans bemoan Mane’s injury setback, Manchester United supporters have every right to point out that Fellaini’s knee problem is a blow to their plans too.

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