Fellaini claims playing under Moyes at Man Utd was the worst season of my career

Marouane Fellaini has admitted his first year at Manchester United was 'the worst season of his career' as the club struggled under David Moyes.

The Everton manager was a surprise choice to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford after the legendary Scot stepped down after 27 years at the helm.

Fellaini followed Moyes through the exit door at Goodison Park a few months later, when he joined United from Everton on deadline day for £27.5million.

The Belgian played just 21 games in all competitions in his first season and failed to score and unwittingly became a lightning rod for United's decline under Moyes, who was sacked nine months into his six-year deal.

'The first year at Manchester United was very difficult for me because I was the first signing after the era of Ferguson and it was not easy,' Fellaini told MUTV this week.

'I'm honest and I always said that the first year was very difficult for me, but for the team too. We had a bad season.

'It was a nightmare one for a few months. It was not easy at all and, when you are in this situation as well, mentally it’s not good, it’s not easy.'

Fellaini had thrived at Everton under Moyes, scoring 11 Premier League goals in his final season at Goodison Park.

But after failed to land any of their targets during Moyes' first season in charge, his arrival on deadline day was regarded as underwhelming.

Moyes, meanwhile, was criticised for triggering Fellaini's £27m release clause after the Belgium international was available for a cheaper fee earlier in the window.

Fellaini failed to replicate his Everton form at Old Trafford and conceded he struggled to cope with the heightened expectations.

'I played five years for Everton, doing very well [and getting] respect from everybody. Then