Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has defended out-of-form Memphis Depay, insisting he is the greatest talent of his age.
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The 21-year-old joined United for €27.5 million at the beginning of the season, but has failed to feature in the club's past three league matches due to poor form, with his last goal coming on 26 September. Howeveer, Van Gaal claims he expected the young Dutchman's dip in form.
"I have said (Depay) is the greatest talent of his age," he said, as quoted by Sky Sports.
"But he is also only 21 and that is also an age you cannot expect consistency. He is also in a phase of his career where he has to adapt to many things, so I have expected this.
"But I am convinced he is coming back, maybe stronger than before. But we have to give him time, like Anthony Martial.
"Maybe Martial will continue scoring goals and help us to win matches, but I expect him to also have a dip in form."
Depay was dropped for the Netherlands' upcoming matches by national team coach Danny Blind, who insisted the youngster needs to learn how to be a team player.
"I think Depay is a player for the future," Blind said.
"But there are other issues we'll look at – maybe Louis van Gaal has also mentioned that.
"In football, you must also function in a team – and he doesn't always do that. I told him that when I called him to say he wasn't in the squad. It's something he has to learn."
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Depay might get his next chance to shine for the Red Devils in Tuesday's Champions League clash against CSKA Moscow, but once again made the headlines when he missed the team bus to the hotel, and had to make the trip in his own car.
Do you think Depay will get back to his best form at United? Have your say in the comments section below.
