The England international marshalled a back-three alongside youngsters Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett to a 2-1 victory in the corresponding fixture last year and was a turning-point in the defender’s United career.

Louis van Gaal says Manchester United striker Anthony Martial must learn how to cope with the pressure following his strong start in English football.

Manchester United’s ambitious pursuit of Sergio Ramos in the summer showed that Louis van Gaal was eager to secure a colossal leader at the heart of the Red Devils defence.

Louis van Gaal is aware of the pressures at a club of Manchester United’s stature and agreed with West Brom boss Tony Pulis that more will be expected next season having been given a three-year contract in which he must win the league.

Manchester United will be without Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones, Daley Blind and Michael Carrick as they seek to cause an upset at league leaders Chelsea on Saturday.

England duo Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have impressed in United’s last two Premier League fixtures – victories over Tottenham and Liverpool respectively – that have put Champions League qualification well within their grasp.

Fellaini’s introduction after 72 minutes – with United trailing 1-0 to West Ham on Sunday – proved too much for the London club’s defence as the midfielder played a key part in the build up to Daley Blind’s injury-time equaliser.

Not long into his first season in charge, Van Gaal’s United sit fourth in the Premier League after 12 games but are yet to replicate the performance levels of the side during Sir Alex’s 26-year reign.

Smalling marshalled an inexperienced backline including rookies, Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett as Louis van Gaal’s side recorded their first away victory of the season.

Louis van Gaal is growing increasingly frustrated as Manchester United’s injury problems show no sign of subsiding ahead of their fixture with Crystal Palace on Saturday.

When Manchester City were bought out in 2008, Sir Alex Ferguson made a point of reasserting Manchester United’s dominance by completing the double over their local rivals.