Man Utd boss Van Gaal throws down Arsenal challenge to Memphis

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal says he will not give up on Memphis Depay and believes he can still be a star at Old Trafford.

Youngster Marcus Rashford stepped in to score a brace during an unexpected dream debut, but it was Depay who attracted attention with arguably his best performance since arriving at the club from PSV Eindhoven for £25million last summer.

“The first time I saw him was in the first year for me as national coach in Holland”, said Van Gaal. “And I’m really pleased for Memphis too – he was brilliant”, he told BT Sport.

“That gave me the conviction that he can play at the highest level”.

Manchester United won the match 5-1.

But Van Gaal will not give up on the 22-year-old.

After bagging seven goals in 34 appearances following his 25 million pounds (US$34.93 million) move during the close season, Memphis admitted he had not lived up to expectations since he made the switch from PSV Eindhoven.

“On Thursday night he had a fantastic match but he also has to show that against Arsenal because Arsenal is another level”. When you analyse all the players who have come to United, they need time to adapt to the culture of England and the Premier League and I have always said that.

“He has to take care of this consistency by making the right choices”.

The Dutchman, coming off the back of a excellent performance against FC Midtjylland in midweek, was a constant thorn in Arsenal’s side at Old Trafford.