Marouane Fellaini backed to return to form for Manchester United - by Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany

Despite the fierce rivalry in the city, Kompany believes that Fellaini has the talent to be a success at Old Trafford even though he has come under heavy criticism since his £27.5m move

Jack de Menezes
Friday 10 January 2014 11:45 EST
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Marouane Fellaini has been backed to produce his best at Manchester United by international colleague and Premier League rival Vincent Kompany
Marouane Fellaini has been backed to produce his best at Manchester United by international colleague and Premier League rival Vincent Kompany (GETTY IMAGES )

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Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has backed Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini to rekindle his best form, despite his summer move seeing the Belgium teammates become arch-rivals on the blue and red halves of the city.

Kompany has been a rock at the back since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium in 2008, becoming the side’s captain and leading them to Premier League glory in 2011-12. The story has been different for Fellaini since his arrival in Greater Manchester, with his £27.5m move from Everton so far failing to materialise into anything positive.

The 26-year-old is yet to score his first goal for the Red Devils, but Kompany has insisted that he is hopeful of a return to form sooner rather than later ahead of their 2014 World Cup campaign in Brazil.

Speaking to talkSPORT on the Alan Brazil Breakfast Show, Kompany said: “People shouldn’t forget that it is Fellaini’s first season at Manchester United. It’s a big move and he deserves some time.

“It will sound weird because he plays for the red half of the city but I want him to get back to his best.

“He’s an important player for Belgium. He’s one of those special players. You just feel he can have a big impact on the team. They will need him a lot.”

Fellaini is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery to correct a long-standing wrist injury with a return date not expected to come until next month. The former Everton midfielder, who followed David Moyes from Merseyside to Old Trafford, has found his career get of the a bumpy start just like his manager, but Kompany has no doubts of Fellaini’s natural talent.

“It’s just a matter of time really because he’s got the lot,” Kompany insisted.

The two could come up against each other in the League Cup final on 2 March, although United have much more work to do than their fierce rivals if they are to book their trip to Wembley Stadium.

City’s 6-0 demolition effectively saw them through barring the biggest of upsets when they travel to West Ham for the second leg, while United will be looking to overturn a 2-1 deficit when they entertain premier League basement club Sunderland.

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