Memphis Depay signed for Manchester United because of Van Gaal, says Willaert
Friday 8 May 2015 12:10, UK
Manchester United secured the signing of Memphis Depay because of his special relationship with Louis van Gaal, according to Fox Sports Netherlands journalist Cristian Willaert.
Depay is set to join United when the next transfer window opens in June, subject to a medical in a deal which Sky sources believe to be worth £25m.
The Dutch international was instrumental to Holland’s impressive World Cup displays under Van Gaal and was one of the most sought after Eredivisie prospects.
United have secured the deal early and Willaert believes they have signed a player who delivers at the highest level.
“He is certainly the most sought after player in the Dutch League. In Holland these sorts of amounts is not normal to be paid. I know in England it is and internationally it is.
“You need to look at his promise and quality; he is still very young of course.
“He is absolutely instrumental, the most important player in the squad, he’s squad. He’s scored 21 goals out of 28 games. He’s not playing as a central striker, he’s playing from the left wing often coming in, scoring coming, so he will fit in very well with Manchester United.
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“His free-kicks are very well known, he has scored four or five this season from direct free-kicks, which makes him one of the best free-kick takers in Europe.”
“I think the relationship [with Van Gaal] is very special. Memphis Depay has always been a tremendous talent. Everybody was waiting for him to break through. Last season PSV had a very difficult season, they then became Champions and Memphis Depay grew mentally. He also showed his defending and how he can help the team.
“Then he went to the World Cup and he talked to Louis van Gaal and talked about the big time football. His goals became much clearer, he became more focussed and a better player. He was very important for Holland against Australia, Holland were 2-1 down and he gave an assist to Van Persie and scored in that game. He has a very good relationship with Louis van Gaal and that’s why he chose Manchester United and not for example Paris Saint Germain.”
Depay has been likened to Cristiano Ronaldo due to his tendency to show-off and take centre stage but Willaert insists United have signed a team player and a talent his team-mates will want to have around.
“He got a lot of criticism this year because he’s a bit of a cocky player, a bit of a show player. That doesn’t go down well in the Netherlands but people sometimes forget he’s mentally a strong player and a team player. That’s why I mentioned last season when PSV weren’t doing well. When it became clear PSV would win the title he played a little bit for himself, but he was delivering which is why his fellow players will never say he’s a difficult guy, they like to work for him.”
