Fellaini doesn't make first cut at United training after he struggles with 'intensity'

As Manchester United went through their opening passing drills in two circles, there was a clear hierarchy between the two groups. 

The first set of players was led by manager David Moyes and included United's highest earners and most gifted ball-players. The manager was working with Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Nani, Ashley Young and Tom Cleverley.

Interestingly, though, new £27.5million recruit Marouane Fellaini was put through his paces in the second-tiered circle. In his unveiling press-conference last week, the former Everton man admitted he had been struggling to adapt to the sharper pace of the United training sessions.

Greater intensity: Marouane Fellaini trained with the second group as he adapts to life at Manchester United

Take a bow? Fellaini (right) could be poised to make his Champions League debut against Bayer Leverkusen

Fellaini revealed: 'I have a problem with the intensity of the training because I am playing with big players. It is quicker than at Everton. But I am happy. I like the game and I like to play.'

The Belgian was alongside Alex Buttner, Anderson, Chris Smalling the Da Silva twins, Javier Hernandez, Wilfried Zaha, Anderson, Jonny Evans and Antonio Valencia. The group was led by United first-team coach Phil Neville. 

Nonetheless, Moyes has predicted that the Belgian midfielder could prove to be a United great in the long-term.

'He's got the potential to be that good,' he said.

'He's got an awful lot going for him. I always think he is Belgium's best player and they have a very good side.

Great expectations: David Moyes (above) is convinvced Fellaini (below) will go on to become a United legend

Manchester United's Robin van Persie (R) and Marouane Fellaini warm up during a training session at the club's Carrington training complex in Manchester September 16, 2013. United are set to play German side Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday. REUTERS/Phil Noble (BRITAIN - Tags: SPORT SOCCER)

'Hopefully he'll help our great players get better by giving them a bit more freedom on the pitch. He's got good ability and he's still young enough to improve.

'He'll be a true Manchester United player. We'll give him time and the room to do so and I think hopefully people will see he'll contribute greatly to the team.

'We'll play him further back the pitch than up the pitch. We've got enough people who can play the number 10 role.'

United followers should be pleased that Moyes intends to play Fellaini deep in his midfield. It is this area that has held United back in recent years - especially in Europe - and the Belgian should in theory help his new team spend much more team in possession of the football.

Fellaini said: 'Everton was a great club for me with great teammates.

'I respect the fans but it is time for me to leave and join a big cub. I want to play midfield defensive and if I can help the team further forward then good.
'Training is quicker than at Everton but I'm happy.

Happy days: Wayne Rooney was back training with a smile after coming close to leaving Old Trafford

'The quality is better than Everton but Everton are a great club as well.

'The price is not my problem. 25million or 30million or 20million - whether you are expensive or not, players are just players.

'In the past you have had Cantona. Roy Keane, Beckham - I will do my best.' Moyes confirmed that United will not return for Everton defender Leighton Baines and declared himself unruffled about the criticism that followed the club's summer efforts in the market.'

Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney was all smiles as he trained without wearing the specially designed protective headband he sported at the weekend against Crystal Palace - although it is expected to return when he faces Bayer Leverkusen in United's Champions League opener.

The England striker looked pleased to be back in the United fold after coming close to leaving for Chelsea in the summer transfer window.