Depay enjoys ‘more freedom’ as LVG finds ‘best’ role

Matt Stead

Memphis Depay admitted he enjoyed “a little bit more freedom” in a new role position Louis van Gaal, who believes he has found his “best” role.

In the absence of Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial, Memphis was handed the striker’s role at Vicarage Road on Saturday, responding with a fine opening goal in a 2-1 win for United.

The Dutchman was supported well by Jesse Lingard – and Van Gaal reserved praise for the pair after the game.

“In the first half, Memphis was superb, like Jesse Lingard,” Van Gaal said.

“I think also this role for Memphis is the best one for him. He played it also in the World Cup for me when Van Persie and Robben were injured so I knew he could do it.

“Jesse also was fantastic and we have created a lot of chances thanks to those two.”

Memphis, meanwhile, is confident he is improving as a player – helped by Ryan Giggs.

“I think every young player goes through things but I keep training and enjoy the training sessions,” Memphis told MUTV. “The stuff [I am learning] has stuck with me and Ryan Giggs has given me good advice and I’ve been working on some things with him.

“You need that backing and you need to back yourself and train well, and of course all the help is great to get through difficult times.

“I’m happy to get the help of everyone and happy to play on Saturday to show that I can be important.”

On his role at Watford, Memphis added: “The system was different, but we have a little bit more freedom and there was space in behind also which we took advantage of. I think we did it well and I enjoyed the game.

“It was a difficult game in the end. We started well in the first half but the second half was a little bit difficult. But to get three points out of it was good.

“I enjoyed the goal a lot, of course. I like to score goals. It was important for me to score a goal when I got a chance. I was happy. I like it when the fans are behind us and it was a nice moment [to celebrate with the fans].”