Marc Wilmots has indicated that Marouane Fellaini will not produce his best for Manchester United if he continually plays out of position.

The 28-year-old has been much-maligned by the United faithful this season despite the fact Louis van Gaal has often started him, whether it be in a central midfield role or elsewhere.

Belgium boss Wilmots nows the former Everton star inside out and feels that he has to be deployed as a box-to-box midfielder with the freedom to go forward to get the very best out of him.

"I know him by heart," he told The Times.

"In my eyes, he is a box-to-box [midfielder]. He could also play as No. 6 by himself, but not with a partner.

"He has the ability to play on the offensive too, as Everton used him.

"He is the best goal scorer I have. He is a very good player with a unique profile, but he is a player who must be used taking his qualities into account."