Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is hoping Marouane Fellaini’s receives a warm reception at Everton on Sunday akin to that which Juan Mata got on his trip to Chelsea last weekend.
Mata received a standing ovation from the Stamford Bridge faithful last Saturday when he left the pitch after being substituted in the second half.
However, Fellaini is expected to face a more hostile crowd at Goodison Park this Sunday because of the way he forced his move to Manchester United in the summer of 2013.
While many feel the Everton fans should let bygones be bygones, the Belgian remains an unpopular figure on the blue half of Merseyside because of the protracted nature of his transfer.
Though it is a special occasion for Fellaini, Van Gaal said that the midfielder is still treating it as any other game against any other team.
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While Fellaini is expected to receive a hostile reception, the Dutchman is still hoping that the Everton fans treat the Belgian in a proper respectful manner on Sunday.
"I have spoken with him”, Van Gaal said in a press conference, via the BBC.
“Marouane is always dry with his answers. He said 'it is a game'. But it is a special game for him.
“I hope the fans give him the same reception Juan Mata received at Chelsea."
Manchester United will look to consolidate their position in the top four and maintain their charge for a runners-up spot in the Premier League this season with a win at Everton on Sunday.
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