Irwin: Memphis Can Match Beckham At Set Pieces

Denis Irwin believes Memphis Depay could have the potential to rival David Beckham in the set-piece delivery stakes, with the Manchester United legend so far being hugely impressed by the Dutchman's qualities.

After an impressive World Cup last year for the Netherlands under Louis van Gaal and a prolific goalscoring campaign for PSV Eindhoven last term, Memphis became United's first big signing of the summer.

The Dutchman caught the eye on Tour 2015, presented by Aon - he started each of the four matches in an attacking midfield role and scored his first goal for the club in the game against San Jose Earthquakes. Club ambassador Irwin travelled on the tour and, having enjoyed watching Memphis in action, predicts the 21-year-old could prove to be as effective in dead-ball situations as former United star Beckham.

"I think Memphis could match Becks in that sense," Irwin told ManUtd.com. "I saw him score a few goals last year for PSV and I think he will be a big addition to our team.

"It's still early days yet, but there’s no doubt that he has a lot of talent. He brings that unpredictability and we don’t possess too many players like that.

"His records will tell you that, even though he’s young, he’s a goalscorer as well, having scored 28 goals last year in Holland. We’ve already seen how good he is at finishing, so I think he’ll become a big player for us even though he’s young."

Just like the United fans, Irwin is excited by the club's summer captures so far, with all of them bringing important

qualities to the squad. Latest arrival Sergio Romero has yet to feature but the other signings who did play in the US impressed the former United full-back.

"[Morgan] Schneiderlin has had a great few years at Southampton, he’s very mobile, not afraid to put a tackle in and it was a bonus for him to get a goal on his tour debut," said Irwin. "I think he’ll be an important player for us."

"As for the other two – [Matteo] Darmian looks more than accomplished in the full-back position. I don’t know an awful lot about him but he’s done well in the games he’s played in. And of course [Bastian] Schweinsteiger is obviously a serial winner - he’s won several Bundesliga titles, the World Cup and made over 100 appearances for Germany and 500 for Bayern Munich, so he’s a very experienced player.

"I think all the players have been great additions and I’m really looking forward to seeing them play in the new season."