Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal opted to start Dutch winger Memphis Depay in the number 10 role behind Wayne Rooney and the manager cites Ashley Young as the reason behind the move.
Memphis Depay started Manchester United’s opening day clash against Tottenham Hotspur in a more central role than the Dutch winger is used to and manager Louis Van Gaal insists that it’s the incredible form of Ashley Young which has forced him to start the new signing in a more central role. Ashley Young has seen his career reignite under the Dutch manager after being on the fringes under David Moyes.
Depay finished as Eredivisie’s top scorer last season playing from an advanced left winger role for PSV and the Red Devils fans expected him to be used in a similar position.
“Ashley Young . is playing very good on the left side” – Louis Van Gaal
Speaking in an interview, as quoted by The Mirror, Van Gaal said:
a It is a new position for him and he has to adapt to the new position because he is a goal-scoring type.
a We have to wait and see if he can fulfil the demands of this position but thata s also because Ashley Young is playing very good on the left side. That is the circumstances now but it can change during the season. He can play in this position.a
New players, especially young players, want to show their qualities
Van Gaal also suggested that the 21-year-old was too eager to impress in his first game and will improve as the season progresses.
a Yeah, but he is too eager, I think.
a I have said that in advance. New players, especially young players, want to show their qualities. The next match, because of that, will be better for him.a
Ashley Young, 30, is unlikely to be used as a left-winger for long and sooner than later, Depay would be seen in his preferred role. However, with Van Gaal, one can never be too sure and the Manchester United faithful would be hoping that Depay is given the role that he excelled in during his time with PSV.