I still believe in Memphis, but he must learn – LVG

Memphis Depay: Handed advice by Ryan Giggs

Louis van Gaal insists he still believes in Memphis Depay – but has warned the player to adapt to Manchester United’s philosophy if he’s to become a success.

The £25million winger was an unused substitute in Manchester United’s 3-0 win at Everton on Saturday – with his demotion to the bench widely expected after a shaky start to life at Old Trafford.

But Van Gaal insists he still believes in the player and says he’s been taking advice of assistant manager Ryan Giggs about how to succeed as a winger in the Premier League.

"Ryan has already given advice to him but the player is responsible for his own deeds," said Van Gaal.

"You have to give respect to your team philosophy.

"We have seen that some players cannot adapt to the team philosophy. You cannot know in advance before you buy them. You have to wait and see. That happened with Angel di Maria and [last season’s loan signing Radamel] Falcao."

Asked what Depay needs to do to fulfil his potential, Van Gaal said: "I only discuss that with Memphis, not with you.

"Do I still believe in him? Of course.

"The problem with young players is they are not consistent. That you have to learn. We have to give him time."

Depay has been compared to Angel Di Maria by some newspapers on Sunday morning, and although that might be somewhat premature, they feel the player must shape up to avoid becoming a casualty of the Van Gaal reign.