Louis van Gaal laid down the gauntlet for Memphis Depay, and the Netherlands winger has answered with an early strike in Manchester United’s clash with Watford at Vicarage Road this afternoon.
With his weaker left foot, Depay, starting a Premier League game for the first time since October 4, provided a great first-time finish to Ander Herrera’s cross to put the Red Devils into an 11th-minute lead.
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As BBC Sport reports, Van Gaal admitted this week that he expected more from the 21-year-old, who arrived at Old Trafford in a £31m move from PSV Eindhoven early in the summer transfer window.
Injuries to Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial, as the Daily Mail reports, forced Van Gaal to restore his compatriot to the lineup as a central striker, and Depay did not take long to come up with the goods.
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It is the talented Dutchman’s fifth goal of the season, although only second in the Premier League. Van Gaal and United supporters alike will be hoping that it can kickstart his career in English football.
Half-time: Watford 0-1 Manchester United
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