David Moyes has leapt to the defence of controversial Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini, describing him as "vital" and "a modern day footballer".
Moyes signed the Belgian from Everton for £27.5million during his ill-fated spell as United manager, but he has struggled to win over large sections of the club's fans.
Like him or loathe him, though, Fellaini is an essential cog in United's squad, according to Moyes.
"Well, bringing Marouane Fellaini was part of what I hoped he would come to United and play in different games," Moyes told ESPN FC.
“He was never someone who was going to play in all the games at United. He was someone that was there, his size is a problem to the opposition, it's also something which helps you, Manchester United you've seen many times now have used him a more advanced role.
“I used to get criticism at Everton because we played him there, he's got brilliant chest control, taking it down with his chest, he's as good as anyone in the world actually and he's a good footballer, but he was never somebody who was going to come and play every single game.
“As you rightly said, if you look at the games that he played under Louis van Gaal and now under Jose Mourinho, he's vital.
"He's a modern day footballer, he covers a lot of ground, he's a decent passer without being a great passer, he can get you some goals, he helps you out in both boxes with his stature and he was something which we didn't have at Manchester United and he was a player who was brought in to add to the squad.”