Last Minute Baines Decision Delayed Fellaini's United Move on Deadline Day

Manchester United manager Davd Moyes has explained Marouane Fellaini's move to the club went through in the dying minutes of the transfer window because the club didn't want to give up on bringing Leighton Baines with him.

The Premier League champions didn't confirm their only significant incoming piece of transfer business until perilously late on transfer deadline day when they signed the Belgium international from Everton for a fee of £27.5m.

United had earlier seen a bid of £28m for both Fellaini and England international Baines dismissed, and Moyes has since explained the club continued to pursue the left back until it was too late.

"We didn't want to give up on Baines so we kept the deals together and only split it [for Fellaini] at the last minute," Moyes told reporters.

"Every time I see Belgium play, they talk about this great team, but I always come away thinking Fellaini is the best player. Fellaini can do several different jobs, score goals and is effective in different areas. I hope he can continue to improve.

We've got a busy schedule and I wanted to play a different way in different games. Marouane Fellaini helps me to do that. Fellaini's presence is very noticeable for many reasons, including his size. But you can't overlook his technical ability. Marouane Fellaini has always been incredibly focused, he trains hard every day. He'll be an asset for Manchester United.

Fellaini himself handed in a transfer request as the final hours of the transfer window ticked by in efforts to seal a move to a side the imposing midfielder describes as 'the biggest club in the world.'

"Sometimes I thought there was no chance [of the transfer happening] but in the end I was so happy to join United," Fellaini said. "I came here to win trophies. For me it's a dream to join the biggest club in the world."

"I need to work hard for my place - there are a lot of good players here. I need to show my ability. I'll keep focused. I can play defensive or attacking - whatever helps the team. The most important thing is to win the game."

Fellaini is expected to make his debut for United tomorrow afternoon when the club welcome newly promoted Crystal Palace to Old Trafford.