Manchester United manger Jose Mourinho has commented on the hostile reception Marouane Fellaini received when he came on against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.
As he waited to make his way on to the field as a late substitute, the Belgium international was booed by large sections of the Old Trafford faithful, seemingly in response to the last-minute penalty he gave away against Everton last week.
Speaking after the match, Mourinho said that he understood the crowd's frustration and accepted their reaction, but he also showed his support for Fellaini
"I accept it because from the fans," the Portuguese tactician said, as quoted by the Daily Mirror.
"You have to accept everything and especially fans that are giving so much without getting so much. The only things they are getting are honesty, professionalism, dedication but not the results they expect.
"They have in their mind the mistake that Marouane did at Everton and no more than that. He is a player and a person I like, and the person is more important. He will always have my protection and trust."
The manager later dedicated the Red Devils' hard-fought 1-0 victory over Spurs to the Belgian midfielder.
"I want to dedicate this victory to Fellaini because he deserves it," Mourinho told Sky Sports.
"In the last match, it was him that was involved in the loss of two points, and that's why I want to make it clear he is an important player for me.
"The fans can do what they want and they have been phenomenal with us. I just have to thank them for everything they are giving us, especially in the period where we are not giving them too much so I am really happy with them."
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The English giants are sixth in the Premier League, but are now only three points behind Spurs, who are fifth.
Should Mourinho keep on backing Fellaini, or should the player be sold? Have your say in the comments section below.
