Jose Mourinho explains Marouane Fellaini importance

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has paid tribute to Marouane Fellaini's importance following Saturday's 2-1 win over Watford in the Premier League.

Mourinho fought hard to convince Fellaini to sign a new contract with the Red Devils, and the Belgium international has played a key role in United beating Burnley and Watford in their last two Premier League matches.

The United manager has said that the 30-year-old, who has often been criticised during his time at Old Trafford, gives the Red Devils "quality and simplicity".

"We made defensive mistakes against Brighton [& Hove Albion] and against Tottenham [Hotspur]. Against Brighton we didn't deserve to win that match, but against Tottenham I think we did deserve to win it. Six goals and defensive mistakes," Mourinho told reporters.

"Then we go to two matches away – difficult matches, difficult stadiums, Burnley and Watford – and I felt that my central defenders need, especially in the moment of a bit of instability, they need somebody to support them, to give them the first wall – physicality – but Marouane is giving us more than that.

"He's giving us that, but he's giving also quality and simplicity in his football. He's playing simple and well. So I'm really happy for Marouane."

United will open their 2018-19 Champions League group-stage campaign against Young Boys on Wednesday night.