Manchester United: Is Ander Herrera Now the Odd Man out for the Reds?

While the sight of Marouane Fellaini in the starting XI vs. Chelsea may have been discouraging for some fans, the Belgian midfielder justified Louis Van Gaal's belief in him with a solid performance.

The big-haired destroyer was a pivotal part of United's success against Chelsea, winning three aerial duels and tackles apiece, and completing a tidy 83 percent of his passes (WhoScored.com).

Most importantly, his injury-time header led to Robin Van Persie's rebounded finish, and he fulfilled his role of containing Cesc Fabregas with diligence. Though the Spaniard was not poor by any means, Fellaini did not allow him to dominate United, as Fabregas completed only 36 passes to Fellaini's 34.

Two impressive performances in a row from Fellaini leave United fans optimistic that the once-perceived bust is finding his way at the club, but could also spell danger for summer signee Ander Herrera.

In fairness to Herrera, he has been impressive in a United shirt so far. He has two goals and one assist, and is averaging 2.8 tackles per game, somewhat putting to bed any talk of his defensive decencies.

However, while he is an extremely adept passer, he doesn't quite offer the physicality or stranglehold on the midfield that Fellaini does, despite his respectable defensive numbers. Herrera will be guaranteed to work hard, but for a man-marking job of Yaya Toure or Cesc Fabregas, Fellaini is simply the better option.

Jon Super/Associated Press

In the beginning of the season, United were heavily attack-based, fielding Angel Di Maria, Ander Herrera and Juan Mata in the midfield, with Daley Blind as the only player employed in a defensive-midfield role, or really equipped to play one.

In the last game vs. Chelsea, United played a more defensive style, with five in the midfield, but this is expected against an offensive juggernaut like Chelsea, and is unlikely to be replicated against anyone other than them or Manchester City.

Though Fellaini has shined as of late, Van Gaal will be unlikely to forget Herrera's contributions so far this season, and could very well look to play them together, dropping the underperforming Juan Mata in the process.

A move back to a 4-3-1-2 look with Herrera, Fellaini, and Daley Blind providing cover for Angel Di Maria in the attacking midfield role would give the squad balance between playmaking and defense, while also allowing the Argentinian to play in his favored central position.

Ultimately, Fellaini has played well enough over the past two games to earn himself a spot in the starting lineup, at least for the time being.

But that doesn't mean that it has to come at the expense of Herrera.

All stats and info via ESPNFC