Louis van Gaal has hailed Memphis Depay for his Man of the Match performance in Manchester United’s 5-1 victory over FC Midtjylland and has backed the attacker to impress when the Red Devils host Arsenal on 28 February. The Dutchman believes the display in the Europa League tie could be a turning point in his compatriot’s career at Old Trafford.
The 20-time English champions came into the second leg after losing 2-1 in the first leg in Denmark. United suffered a blow just before the kick-off as striker Anthony Martial was withdrawn from the starting lineup due to a hamstring injury and replaced by Marcus Rashford.
Depay was the star player for the Red Devils, while Rashford scored a brace in the second half as United progressed to the Europa League last 16 with an aggregate scoreline of 6-3. The Dutch international moved to the Premier League from PSV Eindhoven last summer and Depay admitted that he is struggling in England.
United face Arsene Wenger’s side in the Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Sunday. Van Gaal wants Depay to replicate his Midtjylland form when his side take on the north London club.
“I think he was fantastic. Of course, everyone has seen that. It was also spectacular, I think, to see and watch him but I hope he shall show it also against Arsenal. As I say, it’s another level but I think I’m very confident he shall do that,” Van Gaal explained, as quoted by United’s official website.
“I’m very happy for him. You need these kind of matches and he played fantastic. He can play fantastic so maybe it’s a turning point. You never know. I hope it is, with all my heart, but we have to wait and see. Arsenal is another level.”
Depay has been performing very well in the European competitions for United. For some, his display against Midtjylland did not come as a surprise. Can he replicate this form in the Premier League? United fans will be hoping for the same and they will be more than delighted if he can showcase similar displays and help the team win against Arsenal.
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