Football
ESPN staff 9y

Memphis Depay can emulate Cristiano Ronaldo at Man United - Park Ji-Sung

Memphis Depay's desire to become "the best player" could see him emulate Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, according to former Old Trafford midfielder Park Ji-Sung.

Depay, 21, is set to join United this summer after agreeing a £25 million move from Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven having ended the season as the Eredivisie top scorer with 22 goals.

Former United great Ronaldo netted a hat trick for Real Madrid against Getafe on Saturday to set a personal record of 61 goals in a single campaign, and ex-United midfielder Park says Depay reminds him of the Ballon d'Or holder.

"He's still a young player -- only 21 years old -- but I played with him and he has so much potential: he has strength, passing ability and skill," Park told MUTV.

"Some people say he's like Cristiano Ronaldo and I can imagine that -- he really has the desire to be the best player and United can help him achieve that.

"It's a really good signing for both him and the club, and I'm sure he'll show his quality for us."

Depay has set himself the challenge of reaching the level of Ronaldo -- who won three Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy during six seasons in Manchester -- while former United Paul Parker believes the winger can follow in the Portuguese player's footsteps.

Parker told ESPN FC: "He is probably a better footballer than Cristiano Ronaldo was at 21. The Dutchman is strong and powerful like Ronaldo, and a player who also operates in wide areas."

Depay's international teammate Leroy Fer also thinks the 21-year-old has the talent to match Ronaldo, saying: "Memphis is only 21 and if he can be as good as Ronaldo was at United he is going to be a big player. I think he can be."

Former South Korea international Park was relieved United secured a top-four finish this season, adding: "It has been painful for me not to see United in the Champions League but now we have to look forward and prepare well for next season's competition.

"It was our first aim to finish in the top four after the disappointment of last season and we've done that. We've performed very well in some games this season, so hopefully we can build on that."

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