Legendary Netherlands striker Marco van Basten believes Manchester United have a secured the services of “special talent” after signing Memphis Depay.
Louis van Gaal’s side agreed a deal with PSV Eindhoven and the player has also completed his medical at Old Trafford. The 21-year-old will be moving to Old Trafford as the Eredivisie’s top scorer as he played a crucial role in helping his former club win the league title from the clutches of Ajax.
Van Basten believes having the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager at United will help the Dutch international to develop into a star player.
“No. He’s a special talent. He’s better than the rest,” the former Ajax manager told Sky Sports.
“He’s a very good player. He’s a young star who is strong and has his own ideas, which I think is a good thing for a player. He’s also a guy who still wants to learn and he’s in good hands with Louis van Gaal who has already worked with him at the World Cup.”
“He now has to demonstrate that he can also play well in England. He will show that to you. I don’t know whether it will be quick and come in the first year but he has the skills to succeed in England,” Van Basten stressed.
Depay’s playing style has seen him being compared to United legend and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese international was a sensation with the 20-times English champions as he developed into a world class talent under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Dutch star is also backed to reach similar heights to that of Ronaldo, especially having Van Gaal at Old Trafford. However, Depay should also be given time to settle in the Premier League.
Last summer, United signed Angel Di Maria for a British record transfer of £59.7m from Real Madrid. The Argentine international has clearly struggled in his debut season in England.
Like Di Maria, United and their fans should allow Depay to settle down quickly. His compatriots Daley Blind and Robin van Persie will play a key role in adjust to the new life in England.
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