Marouane Fellaini makes a point with United's equaliser

Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini found the perfect answer to his critics after firing in a spectacular equaliser at the Hawthorns after just three minutes on the pitch.

The much maligned Belgian international received strict orders from Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal on the bench during the first-half.

Van Gaal then ordered the 26-year-old to warm up on his own during the break before replacing Ander Herrera with Fellaini.

Marouane Fellaini fired in a fine equaliser for Manchester United, just three minutes after coming on

 

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is seen giving out strict orders to Fellaini during the first-half

Fellaini soon took note of van Gaal's directions as the rest of the United squad look on at the Hawthorns 

FELLAINI FACTS

After the match, van Gaal admitted he knew he'd call upon Fellaini to turn fortunes around.

'(I knew) after 30 minutes. And then I said (to Fellaini) to look what Herrera is doing because I want you to play,' said van Gaal.

West Brom's official Twitter account tweeted a teasing update at half-time saying 'Fellaini has now taken his tracksuit off, fortunately he has a Man Utd strip on underneath #WBAMUN'. However Fellaini proved his worth immediately.

The 26-year-old was sent to warm up during the half-time break on his own before replacing Ander Herrera

Radamel Falcao and Fellaini look glum after starting the match at West Brom on the substitute bench

Within three minutes of the restart Fellaini won an aerial battle with Joleon Lescott on the edge of West Brom's area, set the ball up wide on the right, and fired in an unstoppable drive in to the top right corner past Boaz Myhill.

Remarkably that was Fellaini's first goal for United since signing last September and the Belgian was delighted, 'It was a great feeling. I've waited a long time for this moment,' he said after the match.

However despite Fellaini's efforts, England U21 international Saido Berahino slotted West Brom back ahead before a late Daley Blind equaliser saved van Gaal's blushes.

West Brom posted this harsh tweet just as Fellaini prepared to come on at half-time at the Hawthorns

In response Manchester United keeper Anders Lindegaard replied to West Brom's tweet after the match 

After being told to warm up on his own at the Hawthorns, Fellaini made an instant impact on the game

Fellaini roars in delight after scoring his goal for Manchester United since signing last September