More of the same, Memphis

LOUIS van Gaal has told Memphis Depay he will not win back his place in the Manchester United first team on the back of one good performance.

On his first Barclays Premier League start in seven weeks, Depay scored the first goal in United’s 2–1 win at Watford on Saturday.

And with Wayne Rooney, Marouane Fellaini and Anthony Martial having only returned to training this week, Depay could start against his old club PSV in the Champions League tonight.

Van Gaal remains a big fan of Depay, who scored 22 league goals for PSV last season, but the Dutchman wants his compatriot to put together a string of good performances before guaranteeing him a place in the starting XI.

“I am a coach that always demands not only one match, but several matches,” the United manager said when asked about Depay’s display at Vicarage Road.

“It is always the same procedure. I compare players and the ones I think are best in our game plan, they shall play.”

It was Rooney’s absence through illness that opened the door for Depay to start up front at Watford, but he may have to wait to return to the starting XI.

“No, not automatically,” Van Gaal said when asked if Rooney would regain his place in the team.

“I compare always players with each other and I take into account how fit they are and how fit they show it on the training sessions.”

Victory tonight will send Van Gaal’s men through to the knock-out stages with one match to spare.