Why Marouane Fellaini was consoled by Manchester United stars in dressing room after win against Tottenham

Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini was consoled by the star players in the dressing room after a section of fans at Old Trafford booed him in their 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur on 11 December.

The Belgium international came on as a second-half substitute against Everton and gave away a penalty to his former club. Leighton Baines converted from the spot kick as Ronald Koeman's side settled for a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park prior to the league tie against the north London club.

According to the Daily Mail, Jose Mourinho's stars were unhappy with their fans' reaction towards the former Everton man. When Fellaini was warming up during Tottenham clash, a section of the home fans booed him and also jeered him when he came on as a late substitute in the stoppage time in their last win.

However, many supporters in the Stretford End at Old Trafford responded to the boos by cheering the player when he was warming up on the touchline. The Manchester Evening News also reports several players were left "furious" by the "poor" behaviour of a section of fans.

Mourinho admitted it was Fellaini's mistake that cost United three points. However, the Portuguese tactician publicly expressed his desire to protect the midfielder and also dedicated the Red Devils' win over Tottenham to "important player" Fellaini.

"I had that feeling. I accept it because from the fans you have to accept everything and especially fans that are giving so much without getting so much," Mourinho was quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News.

"The only things they are getting are honesty, professionalism dedication but not the results they expect.

"They have in their mind the mistake that Marouane did at Everton and no more than that. He is a player and a person I like and the person is more important. He will always have my protection.

"I want to dedicate this victory to Fellaini because he deserves it. In the last match, it was him that was involved in the loss of two points, and that's why I want to make it clear he is an important player for me.

"The fans can do what they want and they have been phenomenal with us. I just have to thank them for everything they are giving us, especially in the period where we are not giving them too much so I am really happy with them."