Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has been buoyed by the recent form of Marouane Fellaini.
The Belgium international, 27, had a horror debut season at Old Trafford last term following his £27.5million move from Everton in the summer of 2013.
Fellaini was made a scapegoat for United's failings under David Moyes but he has bounced back in emphatic fashion this year to be a key part of Louis van Gaal's improving side.
"Last year was awful for him but in fairness he kept his head down, worked hard and came through that tough period," said Rooney of Fellaini.
"He is showing now what he did at Everton and why Manchester United bought him. He is a quality player. He is a different option for us. It is starting to show on the pitch.
"It was tough for him but he had the whole team's support. We knew he was working hard and it wasn't just him struggling last season - a lot of us were. He was the one who took most of the blame for it. It was hard for him.
"Thankfully the manager has shown faith in him."