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LONDON — Memphis Depay has completed his £25million move to Manchester United from PSV Eindhoven and has heralded his new manager, Louis van Gaal, as the best in the world.
The 21-year-old Depay was strongly linked with Liverpool, but Van Gaal, who worked with the attacker when he was manager of the Holland national team, beat United’s rivals, as well as French champions Paris Saint-Germain, to Depay’s signature.
“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,” Depay said. “I have great belief in my ability and I work hard to strive to achieve my dreams.
“I have been at PSV Eindhoven since I was 12 years old and I would like to thank them for everything. It was a great moment when we won the league and I was so happy to be part of that.
“This is now a new chapter in my life and one that I am looking forward to.”
Van Gaal was equally as complimentary about Depay, who scored 50 times in 124 games for PSV.
“I know Memphis well from our time working together in the Netherlands national team,” Van Gaal said. “He is a young versatile player who has the ability to play in a number of different positions.
“It will take time for Memphis to get used to the rhythm of the English 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.”
In his final year at PSV, Depay fired in 22 goals to propel his team to Eredivisie glory and finished as the league’s top scorer.
His form not only caught the eye of Liverpool but also PSG, who were favourites to land the winger until United acted.
Van Gaal admitted in May that PSG’s interest forced his hand.
“I have been forced to sign him,” Van Gaal said. “I don’t want to sign him before the end of the season because we have to focus on our games and when you sign a player you disturb the focus of your present group.”
Depay is currently on international duty for Holland, where he hit the third goal in their 4-3 defeat against the United States last week.
His striker gave Guus Hiddink’s side a 3-1 lead, before surrendering their advantage and losing 4-3.
They faced Latvia last night and are currently third in Group A of Euro 2016 qualifying, behind Iceland and the Czech Republic. — Mailonline
Online Reporter