Depay Proud Of Reds Debut

Memphis Depay described the experience of his first game for Manchester United as a “crazy feeling” and explained how captain Wayne Rooney helped him through his first 45 minutes for the Reds.

The Dutchman, wearing the no.9 shirt for the tour, started behind Rooney in attack, just as Louis van Gaal had revealed he would at his pre-match press conference.

Speaking afterwards, Memphis declared it to be “an honour” to play in the same team as the United captain and revealed his joy at pulling on the red shirt for the first time.

“Wayne coached me a lot through the game and talked to me about which position I should take and when to defend," the Dutchman told ManUtd.com. "We have to form a duo and I have the right feeling with him. It’s an honour to play with such a legend like Wazza.

“It was a crazy feeling to make my debut and a very special one. To think where I came from to where I am now, making my debut for Manchester United. I’m very happy. It was 45 minutes and only pre-season but the focus is on keeping my body in shape. It was important to win the game and we did that."

Quizzed on the feeling of pulling on the United shirt, he said: “I didn’t really think about that moment at the time but, looking back now, when you come in the dressing room and you put your shirt out and you see it with your name on it, it’s just a special feeling and a very good feeling.”

When asked about the biggest thing that had stood out from his first couple of weeks with the Reds, the 21-year-old added: “I think the speed of the game. I can see it and I can feel it in training with the players. It’s different. I’m enjoying it.

“The manager said congratulations on my debut afterwards, he was happy for me. He expects much more from me as well and that’s important for me to work on. I had some moments and some passes but I expect more from myself. I’ll keep focused and keep training hard.”