Van Gaal: U21s Game Has Boosted Memphis

Louis van Gaal feels Memphis will have been lifted by his eye-catching display for Manchester United’s Under-21s against Norwich City at Old Trafford on Monday night.

Van Gaal is aware of the criticism Memphis received in some quarters after his late substitute appearance against Chelsea last weekend, which was his 30th outing of the season.

The boss opted to give the Netherlands international a run-out against the Canaries’ second string and watched from the stands as the winger provided three assists in a 7-0 rout. Will Keane scored five goals for a strong Reds team that also included Phil Jones, Adnan Januzaj and Andreas Pereira.

Van Gaal spoke about Memphis, who is 22 on Saturday, in both his exclusive MUTV interview and press conference on Friday, asserting the summer signing’s sparkling performance for Warren Joyce’s side will stand him in good stead for the first-team challenges ahead.

"The game he played against Norwich was a good game for him," the manager said. "I think a lot of fans enjoyed his performance; I was there also and I watched him.

"There was a lot of criticism but you have to cope with that. For him it was a very good match as it could raise his confidence and I have seen the reaction of the fans.

"These fans are the real fans, those who look to the second team, and they were very enthusiastic. He had three assists, but all his actions were very enthusiastic and it is also good for him.

"I let him play but I cannot play too much of the first selection in the second team because I have to cope with a lot of matches. So now we play Sunderland and then against Midtjylland, before playing Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup.

"I have to cope with this, so Monday was the last time that I could play Memphis in the second team, but also Januzaj and other players."