Stam: Memphis Depay Can Be A Star At Old Trafford

Jaap Stam believes Memphis Depay is joining Manchester United at exactly the right time in his career and is backing the winger to become a big hit at Old Trafford under Louis van Gaal's tutelage.

The club confirmed on Thursday morning that a deal has been agreed with PSV Eindhoven for the 21-year-old to join the Reds, subject to a medical when the transfer window opens next month.

Stam himself made the switch from Eindhoven to Manchester back in 1998 and the former defender, now a coach at Ajax and someone who has followed Depay’s career, says the timing of the winger’s move is perfect for both the player and the club.

“He’s a quality player,” Stam told MUTV and ManUtd.com during an exclusive interview in Amsterdam on Thursday, just an hour or so after the transfer news broke.

“United always want to attack and the club always has an interest in players that have a lot of pace and who can also play the one-vs-ones and create something or score goals. Memphis is that type of player.

“He doesn’t pay a lot of attention to what people say in the press, he does his own thing and is very focused on his own thing. Of course, he is a team player and that’s what you need to be at United, but he has his own qualities and he knows that.

"He’s proven that in Holland for a couple of seasons now and also with the national team and I think it’s a good step for him to join United now, and also work with Louis van Gaal because he knows him very well of course.”

Stam, who will be back at Old Trafford for a legends match next month, worked with van Gaal for a short time himself during the manager's first spell in charge of the Netherlands. He feels the United boss’ reputation for developing young players into world-class stars bodes well for Depay and the Reds.

“Depay is very young and knowing the way van Gaal is as a manager, he gives young players their time to grow into the squad,” explained Stam.

“He has a lot of players [at his disposal] and sometimes Memphis will have his rests but that’s so he can really grow into the team.

“The football capabilities he has are very important and he’s very confident in himself. That’s very important for him to succeed at United.”