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Man Utd midfielder Marouane Fellaini says Louis van Gaal was stricter than Jose Mourinho

Marouane Fellaini in action for Manchester United against Hull City
Image: Marouane Fellaini has been speaking to Soccer AM's Tubes about life at Manchester United

Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini says that former manager Louis van Gaal was stricter than current boss Jose Mourinho.

The Dutchman was dismissed from Old Trafford at the end of May - two days after winning the FA Cup - with the former Chelsea and Real Madrid coach confirmed as the replacement four days later. 

Mourinho has come under pressure after a rollercoaster start to life at United, but Fellaini believes he is the right man for the job and compares the managerial styles of the two men. 

"Louis van Gaal is stricter. Mourinho is strict, but not like Van Gaal," the Belgium international told Soccer AM's Tubes.

Jose Mourinho (left) has similar commitment to Louis van Gaal, says Daley Blind
Image: Louis Van Gaal is 'stricter' than Jose Mourinho, according to Fellaini

"It is funnier with Mourinho, the training changes all the time. It is not a routine. Van Gaal had his philosophy and he was strict but he was very different.  

"I think the Mourinho is the right manager. He has a lot of experience and he knows what he can do but you have to give him time as well so I'm sure the victories will come.

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"He's asked me to play my game. He knows what I can do. Straight away, he said to me 'I know you're quality, I know what you can do.' During the Euros, he called me and asked if I wanted to move or continue so it definitely gave me a boost."

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Manchester United have won five games in the Premier League this season, with three defeats and have drawn their last four home games. 

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But Fellaini believes it is part of playing for one of the world's most recognisable clubs, and after being used in different midfield positions since his arrival at Old Trafford, he reveals where he thinks his best position is on the pitch.

"I think we have started well. We lost two games and that's when the problems started but that's football. It's British football, every game is difficult," he added.

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"It is a big pressure. That's football at the biggest club, that's why but I think we have to keep working and we will win games I'm sure.

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"In the middle of midfield is, in my opinion, my best position. I can play as a No 6 or a No 8 but in the middle is my position. It is hard to adapt to moving around, but I'm used to it. This season, I just play in the midfield defensively and I'm happy like that."

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