London, Dec 19 (IANS): Marouane Fellaini has claimed he was made a scapegoat for Manchester United's disastrous season last year, because of his relationship with David Moyes.

The United mid-fielder has endured a troubled spell at Old Trafford since joining for £27 million last year. His performances in his first season were regularly targeted for savage criticism as he struggled to find a suitable role in David Moyes' team, with the club ultimately finishing seventh, reports dailytelegraph.co.uk.

Moyes' departure towards the end of that campaign was widely thought to have signalled the end of Fellaini's United career, but he has responded impressively this season and is currently in his best spell of form for the club.

United have won six consecutive matches to reignite their ambition of finishing in the top four, while they are not entirely out of contention in the title race.

Fellaini admitted last season was a "difficult" period for him, but said Thursday that he felt the criticisms were unfair.

He said: "Last season we didn't play well as a team and it was easy for people outside the club to say it was me because the manager brought me with him (from Everton), but that was something I had to deal with."

"It was a difficult moment. I learnt a lot. I care about what people have to say, of course, but my concern was for my family, my mum, dad and my brothers, because when (critics) are saying bad things about me, it will have been very hard for them."