Louis van Gaal warns Marouane Fellaini to keep his focus against Everton

Louis van Gaal has admitted he has spoken to Marouane Fellaini over the need to control his emotions on his return to former club Everton.

Fellaini makes his first trip back to Goodison Park on Sunday since his £27.5million move from Everton to Manchester United on deadline day in August 2013.

The Belgium international is set for a hostile reception from the Everton crowd and Van Gaal admitted he has taken the midfielder to one side to warn him of the need to stay calm amid the inevitable barracking he will receive.

"I have spoken with Fellaini because I know this," said Van Gaal. "But Fellaini is always very dry with his answers.

"He said 'it's just a game' but I said 'yes, but it's a special game for you'. I hope the Everton fans shall receive him like the Chelsea fans received Juan Mata because I like that very much."

Michael Carrick, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo are not considered fit enough for the trip to Everton, but Daley Blind should be included in the travelling squad.

Robin van Persie, who has been out for two months and was an unused sub in United's 1-0 defeat at Chelsea last weekend, has been told he must prove his worth to reclaim his place.

"He has to train very hard, play in the second team and show his qualities again," said Van Gaal. "Then I have to compare him with the other players who play in the same position as him."

By AFP 9 hrs ago
Football
Eyes on Kane as Bayern Munich dare Real Madrid in Champions League semis
By AFP 12 hrs ago
Sports
150,000 people expected as Olympic flame arrives in France
By Ben Ahenda 15 hrs ago
Boxing
Andiego leads boxers in Paris Olympic qualifiers
By AFP 22 hrs ago
Football
Dortmund stun Paris Saint-Germain to reach Champions League final