Manchester United should have signed Ross Barkley instead of Marouane Fellaini, suggests Michael Owen

The Belgian midfielder is not a 'Manchester United player' claims former striker

Marouane Fellaini is given his marching orders (Getty Images)

Marouane Fellaini has become the symbol of change at Manchester United - and with the Red Devils faltering since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure - the former Everton player's performances have been heavily scrutinised.

There were high expectations after he followed David Moyes along the M62 from Goodison Park in a £27.5m deal, however, the Belgian has been unable to justify the fee thus far.

That he was the only major arrival at Old Trafford during the summer only increased the focus on him, and now he's crossed the sights of former Manchester United striker Michael Owen.

Owen, who has been working as a pundit since hanging up his boots, suggests Fellaini is not a 'Manchester United player' and says Moyes would have done better to recruit England youngster Ross Barkley, who has been enjoying a fine season under Roberto Martinez.

"Moyes would have expected an instant return on investment when buying Marouane Fellaini," Owen told Sportslobster.com. "I rate him highly in a certain type of team but I’m not sure he is a Manchester United player.

"Moyes would have been better served by breaking the bank for another of Everton’s players. A team consisting of two of the best youngsters in the Premier League, Adnan Januzaj and Ross Barkley, would have immediately sent out a the message that Moyes is building a team to last."

Ross Barkley's good start to the season has won an England place (Getty Images)

Despite questioning Moyes's activity in the transfer market, Owen still backs the Scot to make a success of his tenure at Old Trafford.

"There is no doubt in my mind that David Moyes will be a huge success at Manchester United for years to come."