Marouane Fellaini said he is a defensive midfielder, despite his success in a more attacking role as he revived his Manchester United career, the Belgian told Goal.
Fellaini endured a difficult first year at Old Trafford following his £27.5 million move from Everton in 2013 and then manager David Moyes was criticised for using the 27-year-old in a deeper role.
And he flourished for Moyes' replacement, Louis van Gaal, much further up the field, occasionally even operating as a striker, as he cemented a place in the team and scored six goals to help United finish fourth.
Fellaini said he is happy to operate in either position, but believes his natural role is nearer his own goal.
"Yes, I see myself as a defensive midfielder, I feel comfortable playing there and if the manager decides he wants to play me there, I will," Fellaini told Goal.
"At the moment I play more up front, so it's good for me. I score goals so in football it's important. I'm happy to play there and win some important games."
Van Gaal has noted the difference in United's results when Michael Carrick was injured and has made signing another holding midfielder a priority, suggesting he does not see Fellaini as an alternative in that position.
United finished 17 points behind champions Chelsea but Fellaini said that some additions will help them bridge the gap.
"Of course we can catch Chelsea," Fellaini added. "We have the quality, I think we will sign some new players, so why not? We have to. We have the quality and we are a big team, so we have to."
Fellaini also urged goalkeeper David de Gea, who is a target for Real Madrid, to stay with United, who have offered him a new contract.
"He's a great goalkeeper, he's improved a lot," the Belgian said. "I remember when he arrived in England and it's a big difference between then and now. I hope he will stay but in football you never know."