Memphis Depay must embrace Manchester United's philosophy or become another Falcao or Di Maria - Louis van Gaal

Depay down: It has not been the best of starts for the £25m man
James Benge18 October 2015

Louis van Gaal has warned Memphis Depay that he must do more to adapt to his new side’s philosophy if he wants to avoid becoming the next Old Trafford flop.

The Dutch winger has struggled to find his best form in the Premier League since signing for £25 million in May. Whilst he has shone in Europe, scoring three times in four appearances, he has found the domestic competition far tougher.

Depay was left on the bench for Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Everton on Saturday as his colleagues returned to winning way in style. His replacement Ander Herrera impressed in a number 10 role behind Wayne Rooney and Van Gaal warned that if Depay fails to change he may find himself among the substitutes for some time yet.

“We have seen that some players cannot adapt to the team philosophy,” the manager said. “You cannot know in advance before you buy them. You have to wait and see. That happened with Angel Di Maria and [Radamel] Falcao.”

However Van Gaal is backing his summer signing, who he worked with previously as part of the 2014 Netherlands World Cup squad, to come good.

“Do I still believe in him? Of course. The problem with young players is they are not consistent. That you have to learn. We have to give him time.”

The manager also revealed that assistant manager Ryan Giggs has been guiding Depay as he looks to adapt to the left wing position, but he expects the current No. 7 to take responsibility for his development at Old Trafford.

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Van Gaal said: “Ryan has already given advice to him but the player is responsible for his own deeds. You have to give respect to your team philosophy.”

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