Man United star Marouane Fellaini is mentally strong enough to beat the boo boys, says Phil Jones
Belgian backed to overcome Old Trafford critics following jeers against Tottenham
MAROUANE FELLAINI is mentally strong enough to come through his boo boy hell.
That is the view of teammate Phil Jones who witnessed the big Belgian being targeted at Old Trafford on Sunday.
He was booed as he warmed up to come on against Tottenham and the cries of derision from the Manchester United fans grew louder still when he entered the field of play.
For many Red Devils fans his clumsy challenge that conceded a late penalty at Everton and cost United victory the previous weekend was the final straw.
But his manager Jose Mourinho and now teammates have rallied round Fellaini.
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Jones said: “It is disappointing but he is a strong boy. He is mentally strong to cope with that don't worry. He's strong enough mentally to deal with it.
“We know what he is good at and he has to carry on. He does a good job for us. He has to put it aside.”
In the past Fellaini has been targeted with sarcastic cheers when he has been substituted at Old Trafford. But this was the most obvious sign of some fans dissatisfaction with the player.
Fellaini has struggled to win the affections of United fans since his £27.5million switch from Everton on deadline day in the 2013 transfer window.
He was made the scapegoat by many for David Moyes failed ten months in charge.
He was trusted even more by Louis van Gaal than Moyes making 65 appearances in the two seasons under the Dutchman.
But they were largely unhappy times for the club and consequently the player too.
Fellaini has spoken of his dismay at his treatment in the past.
Fellaini said: “"I am a professional, so I have to deal with it and try not to listen. Sometimes it is difficult, but that is football and playing for a big club. Sometimes I don't understand it. Why me? I don't know.
"Sometimes, I say yes it is because I joined with David Moyes, sometimes I say no. The truth is I don't know.
"I know one thing, a lot of people know I work hard on the pitch and for me that’s the most important thing."