It's safe to say, Marouane Fellaini isn't the most popular figure at Manchester United right now.Having conceded a penalty against former club Everton that turned three points into one at Goodison Park just moments after entering the fray from the bench, the Belgium international received a raucous reception of boos as he warmed up at Old Trafford on Sunday - and again when he came on as a second half substitute.Of course, that's hardly new territory for the lanky midfielder, who has endured maligned status for much of his Manchester United career.The obvious move on Jose Mourinho's part would be to keep Fellaini out of the limelight as much as possible for the next few weeks until his indiscretions are forgotten, if not forgiven.But with a hectic winter schedule about to kick in and a difficult visit to Selhurst Park due on Wednesday night, the Crystal Palace trip could be Fellaini's time to shine.Here are the stats to prove it...

Aerial bombardment

Make no mistake about it, Crystal Palace are the kings of aerial warfare in the Premier League, averaging the most successful aerial duels of any side so far this season.

And the statistics suggest that is no coincidence, with Alan Pardew's boys also producing the most cross-per-match of any team in the division and the second-most long passes after relegation rivals Burnley (both images courtesy of Whoscored).

So logic suggests the Red Devils will face an aerial bombardment at Selhurst Park and although they're by no means woeful in the air, ranking a respectable eighth, it's impossible to overlook the added protection Fellaini can provide in that regard - especially operating just in front of 6ft. 3" compatriot Christian Benteke.

The Belgium international has won the most aerial duels-per-match of any Premier League player this season (per Whoscored).

Set Pieces

Another area where Crystal Palace's aerial supremacy is certainly paying off, exactly one third of their 27 Premier League goals have come from set-pieces this season (courtesy of Whoscored).

That's a combination of expert deliveries from the likes of Yohan Cabaye and Jason Puncheon and their numerous aerial targets, not least including the aforementioned Benteke and defensive trio Scott Dann, James Tomkins and Damien Delaney.

In fact, Tomkins and Dann have scored five goals already this season, whilst the latter has bagged seven alone since the start of last term - the most of any defender in the Premier League as of October.

Fellaini the perfect antidote

We've already alluded to the kind of protection Fellaini would offer in the air but here's the statistics to prove it. As shown by Whoscored, no Premier League player has won more aerial duels when starting in central/defensive midfield than the Belgian battering ram this season with an impressive four-per-match.

Once again, United are hardly weak in the air. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba, Michael Carrick and Phil Jones complete a tall and powerful spine, ensuring height and aerial ability throughout United's XI. But Fellaini's average of four when starting is the highest return throughout the Red Devils squad - albeit, the below batch of data (from Whoscored) also includes substitute appearances.