Marouane Fellaini sheds new light on David Moyes’ nightmare spell at Man United – and labels it the ‘worst season’ he has ever experienced

Marouane Fellaini has admitted his first year at Manchester United was ‘the worst season of his career’ as the club struggled under David Moyes.

The Everton manager was a surprise choice to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford after the legendary Scot stepped down after 27 years at the helm.

Fellaini followed Moyes through the Goodison Park exit door a few months later when he joined United from Everton on deadline day for £27.5 million.

The Belgian made just 21 appearances in all competitions in his first season, failing to score and unwittingly becoming a lightning rod for United’s decline under Moyes, who was sacked nine months into his six-year contract.

“The first year at Manchester United was very difficult for me because I was the first signing after the Ferguson era and it was not easy,” Fellaini told MUTV this week.

The Belgian signed for United for £27million on deadline day, reuniting with David Moyes, under whom he had played for five seasons at Everton.

‘I am honest and have always said that the first year was very difficult for me, but also for the team. We had a bad season.

‘It was a nightmare for a few months. It wasn’t easy at all and when you’re also in this situation, it’s not good mentally, it’s not easy.”

Fellaini had done well at Everton under Moyes, scoring 11 Premier League goals in his final season at Goodison Park.

But after failing to achieve any of their goals during Moyes’ first season, his arrival on deadline day was deemed disappointing.

Moyes, meanwhile, was criticized for triggering Fellaini’s £27m release clause after the Belgium international was available for a cheaper fee earlier in the window.

Fellaini failed to replicate his Everton form at Old Trafford and admitted he struggled to meet the increased expectations.

‘I played for Everton for five years, did very well (and got) respect from everyone. Then you go to a big club and mentally it is difficult because your football is not the same,” he explained.

‘You know, for me it was the worst season of my career, my first year in Manchester. After that (first season) it was much, much better.”

Moyes and Fellaini were a success at Everton but failed to match their impact at United

Fellaini enjoyed a much more fruitful relationship with Louis Van Gaal over the next two seasons

But the 36-year-old, who retired in February after spending the past five seasons in China, holds no grudge against Moyes.

‘I would never criticize David Moyes for giving me my chance in England. I played almost every game under him (at Everton),” he said.

Fellaini’s fortunes turned around the following season under Louis Van Gaal, when he scored seven goals in 31 games in all competitions.

However, the Belgian revealed that his relationship with the former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager got off to a rocky start.

‘When he (Van Gaal) arrived, he said to me: ‘I’m not counting on you. You’re my third, fourth, fifth choice’ and I told him, ‘No problem, I’ll get training.’ ,’ he said.

‘In my head I said, “Let’s train and eventually we’ll see what happens.” Then I started playing (within) one week, ten days, maximum two weeks.’