Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is full of praise for Marouane Fellaini.

After a difficult first campaign with the Reds, Fellaini has played an integral part in United's resurgence during his second season.

"It is only the player [who has made this happen]," the boss told MUTV. "The manager, staff and the players are helping him, but he is the main reason, by himself."

When asked about Fellaini's form by reporters at his press conference on Friday, van Gaal added: "Another thing I've said many times is that he was late back when I first saw him [because of the World Cup]. I'd heard a lot about him and from the first training session, he did what I asked of him. I said 'you have to do this' and he was open and wanted to perform that, I'm not surprised [by his form].

"He had an unlucky season [last season] because he was injured and ill a lot of times, but when he's been fit he's always played for me, more or less. I was looking for balance in the team, and he can bring that. Of course, I can change things depending on our opponent, but at the minute I can't change him when he's playing like this."