Marouane Felliani backed in Manchester United attack by Ray Wilkins
Wednesday 4 November 2015 18:31, UK
Ray Wilkins believes Manchester United need to consider attacking reinforcements - but is adamant Marouane Fellaini can be potent up front.
Fellaini's introduction in place of Anthony Martial was greeted by a chorus of boos at Old Trafford as United toiled against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday night.
However, Fellaini's more direct approach rubbed off on his team-mates as a Wayne Rooney header earned the hosts a 1-0 win to see them go top of Group B in the Champions League.
Wilkins feels that the decision to replace Martial with Fellaini was justified by the result, and while he believes attacking reinforcements would be welcome in the winter transfer window, he insists the imposing Belgian has a lot to offer in the final third.
"The fans booed the decision to bring Martial off, and then moments later there was euphoria at Old Trafford as Rooney scores," former United midfielder Wilkins told Sky Sports.
"It will have been going over in Van Gaal's mind, but at the end of the day he got the result, and that is the most important thing.
"Fellaini gives you that different option, and gives you that power in the air, which European sides don't like much, there are no two ways about it. If you put balls of quality into the box, he will score.
"Van Gaal brought off a thoroughbred footballer and replaced him with one who works hard, but may score you a goal.
"It is a bit of a juggling act, but Fellaini gives you that different option in the attacking third.
Fellaini gives you that different option, and gives you that power in the air, which European sides don't like much.
"Do they need to add in January? Everybody needs to add in January.
"When you think of the strikers that are left - Javier Hernandez, Danny Welbeck, Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao - they have let so many go without bringing too many in.
"Maybe United need to look at the situation, but the right player has to be available."
Chants of "attack, attack, attack" reverberated around the ground as frustrations grew before Rooney's strike ended a United goal drought of more than 400 minutes late on against the Russians.
The well-taken header was Rooney's first in this season's Champions League group stages but Wilkins feels the United skipper is more effective when playing in a deeper role, and urged Van Gaal to rethink his system to bring the best out of Rooney.
"I have always thought of Rooney in the No 10 position, because he can create and score goals as well," Wilkins added.
"I want to see him on the ball more. The way United have been playing - slow and predictable - Rooney is not on the ball enough.
"Playing in a No 10 position, with Michael Carrick threading some lovely balls through, as he was doing against CSKA, would suit him perfectly, as he can turn and attack players.
"When you move the ball so slowly, no matter how many men you get forward, it allows the opposition time to set and get players back."
