Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho said it was "fantastic" that the fans supported Marouane Fellaini when the midfielder came on in the 2-0 win at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
During the 1-0 home victory against Tottenham Hotspur on Dec. 11, the Belgium international had been booed by some fans, having given away a penalty seven days earlier in the 1-1 draw at Everton.
Mourinho said in his news conference after the Spurs game that Fellaini had his backing -- and the fans applauded and chanted warmly about Fellaini when the 29-year-old came off the bench at The Hawthorns.
Mourinho told MUTV: "The fans are fantastic. They had just an impulsive reaction because of Marouane's naive reaction against Everton but they know that Marouane is a guy that gives absolutely everything.
"Inside the dressing room, people love the guy and it's important for him to get that good feeling of knowing the fans are behind [him]."
Fellaini came on in the 84th minute to help shore up the midfield, which had given an impressive display. Michael Carrick was making his third start in a week and was a key performer -- supported by Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera.
Meanwhile, former United defender Rio Ferdinand believes the presence of Carrick is helping Pogba -- and revealed that the Frenchman appreciates his colleague's contribution.
Ferdinand told the Sunday Times: "There is a long list to which we need to add Paul Pogba's name and that is of teammates who have appreciated Michael Carrick. I have spoken to Pogba about it and Carrick has set him free.
"Pogba had a prickly start to his second United career but now he is looking like his real self and it's down to several factors. One is Mourinho finding his best team and finding the best position for him, but Pogba will be the first to say that the biggest change has been the reintroduction of Carrick."