Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has stated that midfielder Marouane Fellaini is indispensable to his plans at the moment.

Fellaini endured a very difficult time at United during his debut season last year but has been able to recapture his best form during the current campaign.

And as a testament to his rise to prominence at Old Trafford, van Gaal has stated that the Belgian international is nowhere near being dropped on current form.

"He had an unlucky season (last year) because he was injured a lot of times and ill a lot of times and because of that he didn't play so much," said the Dutchman.

"But when he was fit he has always played for me, more or less. I was looking for balance in the team and he can give a lot of balance in the team.

"I can change him also. It is dependable of the qualities of the opponent, but when he plays like he is playing now I cannot change him."