Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini's face gets twisted into bizarre shape after being struck by the ball in defeat to Real Madrid

  • Manchester United lost 2-1 to Real Madrid in the European Super Cup final
  • Marouane Fellaini impressed when he came on shortly into the second half
  • The midfielder was struck full pelt in the face by the ball as he went for a header 

Marouane Fellaini is renowned for his toughness and the Manchester United midfielder proved it again during Tuesday's defeat to Real Madrid.

The Belgian replaced Ander Herrera in the 56th minute and was quickly thrown into the fire when he was struck full pelt in the face by the ball as he competed for a header.

And fortunately for fans, a photographer was on hand to capture the precise moment his face was contorted into an expression reminiscent of those made by team-mate Phil Jones.

Marouane Fellaini is struck in the face by the ball during Tuesday's defeat to Real Madrid

Marouane Fellaini is struck in the face by the ball during Tuesday's defeat to Real Madrid

The midfielder was hit full pelt as he competed for a header with Dani Carvajal 

The midfielder was hit full pelt as he competed for a header with Dani Carvajal 

Fellaini clearly saw the funny side as he took to Twitter to share the image, writing: 'thank you to everyone who posted and sent me this' with a stream of 'laughter' emoticons. 


The 29-year-old, who picked up another knock later in the game but carried on, helped his team to mount somewhat of a fightback in the second half and received praise from manager Jose Mourinho.

'The group is fantastic and Marouane is just an example of that group, of that spirit we have,' the Portuguese said after the game.

'We were losing 2-0 against a fantastic team and, after 2-0, the next ball is a double chance with an open goal. Amazing reaction, and then we got to 2-1. 

Fellaini (right) helped his team make more of a fight after coming on in the second half

Fellaini (right) helped his team make more of a fight after coming on in the second half

'Then Marouane was injured but he kept going. Then we missed the (Marcus) Rashford chance only with the keeper to beat. 

'We fought really until Cristiano (Ronaldo) got onto the pitch and I have to say that I'm really happy because although we lost a game and we lost a cup, we didn't lose the season. 

'The season is here, the season started today but our Premier League starts on Sunday for us and we are better now than when we were last season when we won the Europa League.'

Jose Mourinho praised Fellaini and his team-mates after the Super Cup clash

Jose Mourinho praised Fellaini and his team-mates after the Super Cup clash

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