Marouane Fellaini says he has been unfairly painted as a ‘murderer’ in English football

The Belgian midfielder feels he has been treated unfairly during his time in English football.

Marouane Fellaini says he has been unjustly portrayed as a 'murderer' and a 'villain' by the media during his time in England. During a new interview with Belgian magazine HUMO, the 30-year-old expressed his frustration at the reputation he has garnered.

"They have labelled me an aggressive player, a murderer. 

"Look, I'm fanatical. The team that wants it the hardest wins. But there have been times when I came out as the villain. What should I do if they pull me by the hair? It sounds like a joke, but it really hurts.

"Players often try to provoke me but do you know how many yellow cards I collected last season? Four, in 45 matches. I've never destroyed someone's career."

"Last season I was suspended after the derby against City for a headbutt against Aguero. He stepped towards me and then dropped dead. But, no, I get the red."

Fellaini has divided opinion among United fans since joining from Everton in the summer of 2013, with his combative approach often derided as clumsy and oafish.

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However, he has proven to be an effective player for Jose Mourinho, scoring three goals already this season. The Belgian is currently sidelined with a knee injury and isn't expected back until the new year.

Speculation continues to surround Fellaini's future at United, though. His contract expires at the end of the season and the midfielder did not offer supporters any assurances that he will remain at Old Trafford for the next campaign. United have reportedly offered him a new deal but Fellaini is holding out for wages of €190,000-a-week.

‘If United didn't want me anymore, they would have said so a long time ago. They made a proposal and another one will probably follow. I don't know if I will accept it. You don’t decide something like this in a hurry.’