Louis van Gaal believes Memphis Depay has what it takes to become a great for Manchester United, but has warned fans not to expect too much too soon.
Van Gaal knows the forward well having coached him for Holland at the World Cup Finals last summer, and the player had been hotly linked with a move to Old Trafford for some time. It was revealed last month that a deal had been agreed with PSV Eindhoven for his signature, and the 21-year-old has now signed a four-year deal with the Reds who have paid £25million to land him.
Depay arrives in England on the back of a sensational season in his homeland, scoring 22 goals and assisting in six more as the rood-witten won the league title for the first time since 2008. It is no wonder that United fans are therefore looking forward to seeing their new addition in action next season, but van Gaal believes it will take time before his latest signing finds his best form.
“I know Memphis well from our time in the national team. He is a young player who can play in a number of different positions,” he said. “It will take time for Memphis to get used to the rhythm of the Premier League but I have no doubt that he has the potential to become a great footballer for this club and he is at the right club to continue the good work he has done so far.”
Depay joins a squad already brimming with attacking talent, and he will compete with the likes of Angel di Maria, Juan Mata and Adnan Januzaj for a place in the starting XI. But the Dutchman is certainly ready for the challenge which awaits him in England, and he has revealed his delight at realising a dream come true by signing for a club he considers to be biggest in the world.
“This is a dream come true for me; to play for the biggest club in the world and also to have the chance to work with someone who I believe is the best manager in the world, Louis van Gaal,” said the forward.
“I have great belief in my ability and I work hard to strive to achieve my dreams. This is now a new chapter in my life and one that I am looking forward to.”
