Louis van Gaal has told Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini to keep his emotions in check during Sunday's visit to former club Everton.

The Belgian is bracing himself for a hostile reception at Goodison Park as he faces the Toffees away for the first time since leaving the club in 2013.

Fellaini has been one of the Red Devils' stand-out players in recent weeks as United boast six wins from their last seven Premier League outings.

"I have spoken with Fellaini because I know this," he is quoted as saying by The Mirror. "But Fellaini is always very dry with his answers.

"He said 'it's just a game' but I said 'yes, but it's a special game for you'. I hope the Everton fans shall receive him like the Chelsea fans received Juan Mata because I like that very much."

Fellaini's former teammate on Merseyside Steven Pienaar has already told the fans to antagonise the midfielder on Sunday.