Marco van Basten: Depay Is A Special Talent

Legendary Dutch striker Marco van Basten believes Manchester United have signed a "special talent" in Memphis Depay.

Netherlands international Depay has agreed a deal to join United from PSV when the transfer window opens at the end of June, linking up once more with his former national team boss Louis van Gaal.

Van Basten has seen the 21-year-old up close in his role as assistant manager at AZ as well as a previous stint in charge of Heerenveen and the three-time Ballon d'Or winner has been impressed.

Asked whether or not there are other talents in the Eredivisie comparable with his young compatriot, Van Basten told Sky Sports: "No. He's a special talent. He's better than the rest.

"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 has already seen Daley Blind, a player he rewarded with his professional debut when coaching Ajax in 2008, make an impact in his first season at United.

"He's a good player too and a clever player," added Van Basten. "He's not physically strong but he's so clever that he can find the solution in other ways."

Both young Dutchmen have the chance to develop under veteran coach Van Gaal and Van Basten believes that success for United is just a matter of time with the 63-year-old at the helm.

"He's a good manager and a good coach," said Van Basten. "He's also very experienced. The results in the past have already demonstrated that he is able to create a winning team."

Marco van Basten is a Nissan ambassador for the UEFA Champions League Final, where they will be harnessing fan energy to power the trophy to the Olympiastadion in Berlin on 6th June. Search 'Nissan UEFA Champions League' for details.

Credit: Skysports.com