Marouane Fellaini backed to return to form for Manchester United - by Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany

Despite the fierce rivalry in the city, Kompany believes that Fellaini has the talent to be a success at Old Trafford even though he has come under heavy criticism since his £27.5m move

Marouane Fellaini has been backed to produce his best at Manchester United by international colleague and Premier League rival Vincent Kompany (GETTY IMAGES )

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has backed Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini to rekindle his best form, despite his summer move seeing the Belgium teammates become arch-rivals on the blue and red halves of the city.

Kompany has been a rock at the back since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium in 2008, becoming the side’s captain and leading them to Premier League glory in 2011-12. The story has been different for Fellaini since his arrival in Greater Manchester, with his £27.5m move from Everton so far failing to materialise into anything positive.

The 26-year-old is yet to score his first goal for the Red Devils, but Kompany has insisted that he is hopeful of a return to form sooner rather than later ahead of their 2014 World Cup campaign in Brazil.

Speaking to talkSPORT on the Alan Brazil Breakfast Show, Kompany said: “People shouldn’t forget that it is Fellaini’s first season at Manchester United. It’s a big move and he deserves some time.

“It will sound weird because he plays for the red half of the city but I want him to get back to his best.

“He’s an important player for Belgium. He’s one of those special players. You just feel he can have a big impact on the team. They will need him a lot.”

Fellaini is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery to correct a long-standing wrist injury with a return date not expected to come until next month. The former Everton midfielder, who followed David Moyes from Merseyside to Old Trafford, has found his career get of the a bumpy start just like his manager, but Kompany has no doubts of Fellaini’s natural talent.

“It’s just a matter of time really because he’s got the lot,” Kompany insisted.

The two could come up against each other in the League Cup final on 2 March, although United have much more work to do than their fierce rivals if they are to book their trip to Wembley Stadium.

City’s 6-0 demolition effectively saw them through barring the biggest of upsets when they travel to West Ham for the second leg, while United will be looking to overturn a 2-1 deficit when they entertain premier League basement club Sunderland.