Marouane Fellaini flopped at Manchester United because we failed to make other signings, says former boss David Moyes

Belgian has become one of Louis van Gaal's key men this season

Marouane Fellaini celebrates after scoring United’s second goal with a powerful header in their 4-2 win over City in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford (Getty)

Former Manchester United manager David Moyes believes that Marouane Fellaini struggled to adapt to life at Old Trafford because of the club's flawed transfer business in 2013.

Moyes, who was sacked after just nine months in charge after taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson, has revealed that United wanted to buy more players in his only summer in charge.

Fellaini, a £27.5million transfer from Everton, was the only arrival that summer as moves for other players failed to materialise and Moyes, now in charge of Real Sociedad, believes that meant the Belgian's performances were viewed under an even harsher light.

Fellaini was the sole arrival at Manchester United in summer 2013 (AFP)

"It was a big move for him, it was a big move following me and being the only signing made it even more difficult," Moyes told the Daily Express.

"We wanted to bring in other players and the recruitment didn't work the way we wanted it to and, ideally, we wouldn't have made Fellaini our one and only signing if we could have helped it."

In recent weeks Fellaini has been a key performer for United under new manager Louis van Gaal, the Dutchman using the Belgian to great affect as a second striker just off Wayne Rooney.

The Belgian has impressed in recent weeks under Louis van Gaal (Getty Images)

"But I am not surprised at Fellaini because I thought he had made a big impact on England over the years," added Moyes. "He texts me quite regular and I always text him back and tell him how well he is doing and to keep going. I'm really pleased for him.

"He will not be everyone's cup of tea, but he can affect games and you want players who can affect games."