Robson: Memphis Can Handle The Pressure

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson has no doubts Memphis Depay can handle the pressure of playing in the iconic no.7 shirt.

The Netherlands international took over the jersey vacated by Angel Di Maria and became the seventh wearer of the number in the Barclays Premier League era, following in some famous footsteps such as Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Robson reckons the precocious 21-year-old has the self-belief to shine on the big stage and could be a key figure at Aston Villa on Friday night, if granted more space than he was afforded against Tottenham Hotspur in the season opener.

"I think he’s a confident lad," said the former Reds skipper during the Marathonbet launch at Old Trafford this week. "He’s got great ability and great pace. So I don’t think that’s going to be a hassle to him, otherwise he wouldn’t have accepted the no.7 shirt as soon as it was offered to him.

"I think if he had a problem, mentally, handling the pressure that comes with the no.7 shirt, he would have said ‘no’ and asked for another number. So I’m sure and would hope he will enjoy playing for Manchester United, relax and play in the way he wants to play.

"Memphis is only a young lad so it’s going to take a little bit of time for him to settle down. It looks like he’s got great attributes and he could do really well for us."

Villa, like United, opened the campaign with a 1-0 win and Tim Sherwood's side are likely to attack from the outset in front of their home fans, something Robson feels could play into the Reds' hands.

"Villa are a little bit the same as ourselves as they had six new players who played at the weekend," added the Old Trafford hero. "It was a good result for them. I saw it on Match of the Day and Bournemouth gave them a good game and had a few chances that they missed.

"Villa got the goal and won the game to take the three points but Villa Park is always a terrific ground for us and I’m expecting us to go there and get something out of the game.

"I just felt the first home game at Old Trafford meant there were a bit of nerves on Saturday. It was a really warm day and a lot of safety in the way that we played the game. So it wasn’t as exciting as it usually is against Tottenham, with end-to-end football and lots of goals.

"With it being Villa’s first home game, they will come out really attacking against us, which I think opens it up for Rooney and Memphis. I think we’ll see the best of Memphis in this game if he gets the space to be able to run at defenders one on one."