Memphis Depay was elated to play a pivotal role in Manchester United’s 2-1 win against Watford and the former PSV Eindhoven star expressed his gratitude to Ryan Giggs for aiding his development.
The Dutchman has endured a rough beginning to life in England and he has found himself out of favour in recent weeks after numerous below par displays.
But with Louis van Gaal facing an injury crisis, Depay impressed on his first league start since the beginning of October and he made an impact after just 11 minutes when he brilliantly volleyed home an Ander Herrera cross to give the Red Devils the lead.
The promising Dutch youngster has been eager to impress in training after enduring a barren spell, and he was thankful to Van Gaal’s assistant Giggs for advising him during a troublesome period.
“I think every young player goes through things but I keep training and enjoy the training sessions,” he said.
“The stuff [I am learning] has stuck with me and Ryan Giggs has given me good advice and I’ve been working on some things with him.
“You need that backing and you need to back yourself and train well, and of course all the help is great to get through difficult times.
“I’m happy to get the help of everyone and happy to play on Saturday to show that I can be important.”
Memphis was handed a striking role as the twenty-time champions were missing star duo Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney, with Jesse Lingard providing support.
And United’s latest number seven relished his opportunity to lead the line.
“The system was different, but we have a little bit more freedom and there was space in behind also which we took advantage of,” he said.
“I think we did it well and I enjoyed the game.
“I enjoyed the goal a lot, of course. I like to score goals.
It was important for me to score a goal when I got a chance. I was happy. I like it when the fans are behind us and it was a nice moment.”
United’s last gasp win came through a Troy Deeney own goal, after the Watford captain had equalised from the penalty spot moments earlier.
And Memphis was delighted that his side came away from Vicarage Road with three crucial points that put United top of the table until Leicester played later that day.
“It was a difficult game in the end,” he admitted.
“We started well in the first half but the second half was a little bit difficult. But to get three points out of it was good.”
The three-time European Cup winners, who top their Champions’ League group, welcome Depay’s former club PSV Eindhoven to Old Trafford on Wednesday in their fifth Group B fixture.
Image courtesy of BT Sports, via Youtube, with thanks
