Memphis Depay opens up on Manchester United move and Louis van Gaal

Memphis Depay reacts after scoring his first goal for United in the match against San Jose Earthquakes

Memphis Depay has heaped praise on Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal and believes they have a team capable of winning trophies. Speaking to BBC Sport, the Dutchman further talked about his decision to move to United and his ambitions at Old Trafford.

The 21-year-old topped the Eredivisie scoring charts for the 2014/15 season and was picked up by United for £31 million from PSV Eindhoven. Having previously worked with Van Gaal during his reign as Netherlands boss, Depay said that once United came calling his next destination was set.

"When United came, my decision was made,” he said. “After they came, I spoke with the manager and it was very clear for me."

Depay further opened up on the 63-year-old emphasising how significant Van Gaal’s presence was in his decision to move to Old Trafford.

"I don't want to say he is a father figure. But he is a great manager. He can make players better,” he said, as reported by BBC Sport.

“My experience when I went to the World Cup, and even before, was that I felt I was a better player every time I trained with him. I felt stronger. I felt fit.”

Another person Depay had a chat with before making his decision was former United player and Dutch compatriot Ruud van Nistelrooy.

"We spoke about how big the club was, how the fans are. But we will speak in the future about other things. He is a legend at Manchester United,” Depay said.

I want to be a legend at United: Depay

Depay said that he is concentrating on team success rather than individual records and believes United have a squad capable of doing just that.

"We have real qualities. We have to prove that in the games. We have to be creative. The defence has to be strong so we win games and we can play for trophies. (Winning the Premier League) is realistic. We are Manchester United," Depay told BBC Sport.

On asked about his goalscoring targets for his debut campaign in England, he said: "I never do that. It is important to do well for the team. If I score goals or get assists, I will do that. I will put pressure on myself to play well in every game, but I have to improve. The Premier League is different."

"I am very hungry and I want to do everything better so I become a better player. I want to be a legend at some time. But the important thing to do is to focus on the next game because I have to do my job in every game," he added.

Memphis Depay has a number of tattoos, including one in honour of his grandfather who took care of him

Why he has ‘Memphis’ on the back of his shirt

It turns out that Depay’s father left the family to fend for themselves when Memphis was just a 4-year-old. It is the reason why he has ‘Memphis’ instead of ‘Depay’ on the back of his shirt. It was his grandfather who looked after him and he even has a tattoo to remember him.

"Those things are a part of my life. It is not a part of football. It is a different thing. I have a life next to football,” he said according to BBC.

"I have been through little situations. That makes me strong. I enjoy my tattoos, as you can see. I am the person I am. Everybody has to respect that."