Robin Van Persie Claims Point, but Marouane Fellaini Steals Man Utd Show

Robin van Persie took his chance to earn Manchester United a deserved point against Chelsea. Marouane Fellaini took a valuable opportunity, as well. The opportunity to prove he belongs at Old Trafford.

The Belgian midfielder came off the bench to help United win a point at West Bromwich Albion on Monday with his first goal for the club. It was enough to convince Louis van Gaal to give Fellaini his first start of the season against Jose Mourinho's powerful midfield. And it was a gamble that paid off.

Fellaini took a lot of stick from United fans last season after his £27.5 million move from Everton on deadline day. But it was in the biggest games that he looked most out of his depth.

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Against the technical excellence of Liverpool, Manchester City and Bayern Munich in the final months of last season, Fellaini struggled to make any impact in midfield. There were times when he looked more like a dog chasing his tail than one of the most expensive players in United's history.

His first season at Old Trafford was so poor there were question marks over whether he would survive Van Gaal's cull. He might not have had he not pricked up an ankle injury during the first game of the season that sidelined him while the transfer deadline came and went.

But his goal against West Brom, a fierce drive into the top corner, gave notice that Fellaini might not be a lost cause after all. His performance against Chelsea was evidence he could yet hold down a regular place in Van Gaal's best XI.

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Asked to man-mark Cesc Fabregas when Chelsea had the ball, he followed the Spaniard relentlessly. Fabregas has been one of the reasons Jose Mourinho's side have been so effective so far this season. But with Fellaini breathing down his neck, he barely had any influence.

Fellaini was so impressive in the way he carried out his orders, you imagine Van Gaal will be tempted to do the same against Yaya Toure in the first Manchester derby next weekend. 

Van Persie's last-minute equaliser will help United take at least some momentum into the game at the Etihad Stadium. 

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It was important that it was Van Persie who got the goal after a string of underwhelming performances, and increased pressure on his place in the team.

Wayne Rooney will return from suspension against City and Radamel Falcao could make his comeback from injury. But Van Persie has made sure he will keep his spot. 

His goal was a reminder that those who have already written him off have perhaps jumped the gun.

Van Persie can head across Manchester on Sunday with a timely boost of confidence. It is something he has in common with Fellaini, after both took their chance to prove a point.