Do n't get me wrong , I am not Marouane Fellaini ’ s biggest fan , but if Manchester United are to win on Sunday then he is going to have a big role to play . You would never have believed at the start of the season that he would become United ’ s go-to man but he has knuckled down , worked hard and is now one of Louis van Gaal ’ s most effective players . Here ’ s why ... TARGET MAN . 2,251 - Burnley . 2,241 - QPR . 2,226 - Manchester United . United have played the third-most long balls this season , so this is not the skilful , free-flowing team of previous years . But with Fellaini it is an effective tactic . He has gone up for 115 aerial duels this season — far more than any other United man — and Crystal Palace ’ s Mile Jedinak is the only midfielder to win more headers per game . His power in the air is vital for providing knock-downs for the likes of Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata to collect . Liverpool must also track his runs into the box because United will try to find him as often as they can . Marouane Fellaini , pictured during training , has gone up for 115 aerial duels this season . Fellaini is a powerful player that has become a key part of Louis van Gaal 's United team this season . POWER PLAY . One thing is for sure with Fellaini , you know you ’ re in a game with him . Martin Skrtel , Emre Can and Mamadou Sakho are big , physical players but they will have a battle on their hands . Fellaini gives away on average 2.1 free-kicks per game — that ’ s the fifth-highest rate in the league and shows you what a fighter he is . It ’ s not pretty , but it unsettles defences . United midfielder Fellaini will not be afraid to get physical with Liverpool 's players at Anfield . TOUCH OF CLASS . Fellaini 's game is not all about power . Like Peter Crouch , he ’ s portrayed as a bit of a Lurch when actually his technique is good . Just look at that controlled finish with his left foot to open the scoring against Tottenham . He might not be the creative genius to win United titles , but he has become a useful weapon for Van Gaal . Fellaini lets rip a shot with his left foot as he makes it 1-0 against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford . Fellaini has been a useful weapon for Van Gaal and was on form against Tottenham in United 's 3-0 win . Fellaini celebrates his goal for United in this brilliant photograph taken by Sportsmail 's Ian Hodgson . FORWARD THINKING . It was painful viewing last season seeing Fellaini play in a deep midfield role . David Moyes wanted him as protection for his defence , but Fellaini turns like a cruise liner and it was easy for teams to press him . Playing further forward , it doesn ’ t matter if he loses possession as there is no immediate danger and he can provide an attacking threat of his own . Fellaini has been allowed to play further forward for United under Van Gaal , unlike under David Moyes . ELBOW ROOM . Fellaini is a real nuisance player . He ’ s like a daddy longlegs — all arms and legs as he wrestles and grapples to get himself into position . He gets his elbows up high , which makes him very difficult to mark , and it ’ s hard to get players around him . It ’ s that physicality that would make me tempted to start Steven Gerrard on Sunday . Not for sentimental reasons , but because he would offer a vital shield against Fellaini ’ s threat . Head and shoulders : Fellaini is Van Gaal ’ s key player . Fellaini has become Van Gaal 's key player and he will likely be a nuisance for Liverpool on Sunday .
Manchester United face rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday . It is a crucial clash that could impact on which club gets a top-four place . Sportsmail 's Jamie Redknapp has analysed Marouane Fellaini 's contribution .