Louis van Gaal runs rule over Memphis Depay’s Man United home debut

Louis van Gaal admitted that Memphis Depay endured a “difficult” first game at Old Trafford as he made his home debut in Manchester United’s 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

The Netherlands international started the Red Devils’ first home game of the season as Kyle Walker’s first-half own goal handed Van Gaal’s men three points.

The first time you play at Old Trafford is always difficult

Louis van Gaal

Depay, who joined the Red Devils from PSV Eindhoven earlier in the summer, played 68 minutes of United’s Premier League curtain-raiser at Old Trafford.

And Van Gaal, whose side finished fourth last season, admitted that he was keen to play down expectations surrounding the winger before kick-off against Spurs.

Van Gaal told BT Sport: “It is always difficult because this is the first time that they play at Old Trafford.

“I said in advance to Memphis that he doesn’t have to play with too much eagerness and passion – and that counted for the whole team. The first time you play at Old Trafford is always difficult.”

The Dutchman was, however, impressed by fellow summer signing Matteo Darmian, as well as goalkeeper Sergio Romero, who made his Red Devils bow as David De Gea was left out of the matchday squad due to the speculation surrounding his future.

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Van Gaal continued: “I liked the performance of Darmian. He played a good match when in possession and when the opponent had the ball.

Sergio kept the zero. He did a wonderful save but not in building up situations, but that is logical because he is only one week with us. That is a process.”