United Have Signed A Future Star In Depay

Edwin van der Sar believes Manchester United have a "future star on their hands" after agreeing a deal with PSV Eindhoven for the transfer of Memphis Depay, who the former Dutch goalkeeper feels has all the attributes needed to enjoy a successful career at Old Trafford.

Depay has scored 42 goals in 104 PSV appearances and recently helped Philip Cocu’s team secure a first Eredivisie title since 2008. The 21-year-old forward has also impressed on the international stage, having scored twice at last summer’s World Cup under the management of Louis van Gaal.

During an exclusive interview with ManUtd.com, set up to promote this summer’s 'Legends Are Back' match at Old Trafford, van der Sar claimed the Reds have signed a diamond in Depay and explained how his former team-mates will play a crucial role in welcoming him to the club.

"The dressing room is always key in helping young players who come to United," says Edwin, who joined the Reds in 2005. "You can't do it on your own. So it's always nice when you have a Michael Carrick or even a Ryan Giggs - who of course was a left winger like Memphis - to help you out.

"The other older players like Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, and others like Phil Jones who have been at the club for a few years, will help him to find his feet in Manchester."

Expanding on his point, Edwin continues: “Depay is not afraid. I think he’s also a little bit eager – you don’t win the title only with choir boys! In that case I think Manchester United has a future star on their hands.”

Van der Sar registered 266 United appearances during a glittering six-season career at Old Trafford before retiring in 2011. He is now a marketing director at Ajax, who look set to finish second behind title winners PSV in the Eredivisie. In this role, he has kept a close eye on Depay's progress.

“We’ve seen a lot of him this season and he’s probably one of the main reasons why Ajax are not champions! Although, of course, there are some games we should have won and not lost.

"He has played tremendously well for PSV and was in the World Cup squad. He had three games – he came on and did well and scored two goals. So he had a lot of confidence coming into the new season.

“PSV hadn’t won the title for the last seven years - Ajax had won it for the last four seasons - but he started playing unbelievably well for them. They came to the Amsterdam Arena earlier in the season and had a couple of counter-attacks against us which really killed us. He has scored 21 goals this season and a lot of assists. He can hit an amazing free-kick as well.

“Of course he is not the finished product yet – there is still a lot to work on for him – but potentially he is a really good player and I think United have made a good deal. He’s a tremendous player and in the years to come I think he’ll show that. Louis is a great manager to help fulfil the potential he has.”