Football
Mark Rodden 9y

Memphis Depay: Louis van Gaal persuaded me to sign for Man United

Manchester United forward Memphis Depay says Louis van Gaal was a key factor in his decision to choose the Red Devils over a host of other clubs, including Bayern Munich.

Depay, 21, completed his move to Old Trafford last month after helping PSV Eindhoven to their first Dutch league title since 2008.

Speaking to German sports magazine SportBild, the Netherlands international revealed that he had not been short of options.

"There were discussions with nearly all the top clubs," he said. "And of course FC Bayern was one of them. But in the end Manchester United came out on top."

One of the main reasons for that was United boss Van Gaal, who Depay worked with as part of the Dutch squad that finished third at the 2014 World Cup.

"I can't say who the best coach in the world is," Depay said, when asked if he was tempted to work with Bayern boss Pep Guardiola. "There are definitely a lot of good and well-known managers and Pep Guardiola is certainly one of them.

"But I only spoke to Louis van Gaal and he totally convinced me. He gave me the feeling that I was very important for him not only as a player but also as a person. And then it was clear that I would go to Manchester United."

Last season's 22-goal Eredivisie top scorer is already being compared to Cristiano Ronaldo, but he feels he was work to do before being put in the same bracket.

"I'm a long way from Ronaldo's level yet," he said. "He has already achieved so much and scored so many goals. I'm only 21 and still have to prove myself first."

Meanwhile, former World Player of the Year Lothar Matthaus has warned that Bastian Schweinsteiger's fitness will be tested to the limit by the relentless nature of English football.

Schweinsteiger, 30, signed a three-year deal with United earlier this week to end his 17-year association with Bayern.

The Germany captain has been dogged by injury problems over the past two seasons and Matthaus is concerned about the potential strain on his body.

"In the league there are two more teams and therefore four more games [than in the Bundesliga] and as well as that the English have another cup competition," Matthaus wrote in his SportBild column.

"For this challenge, Bastian needs his body to be in top condition. The burden is huge. Bastian is a fighter, a strategist. So for the adventure in England to be a success, his body has to cooperate.

"I wish for him to be in top shape -- also because I know how much injuries can play on your mind."

But Matthaus, who played a record 150 times for Germany, also described Schweinsteiger's transfer as a "sensible, mature and wise decision," which could help his national team's chances at Euro 2016.

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