Now wearing the iconic number 7 shirt once belonging to the likes of David Beckham, George Best, and Cristiano Ronaldo, Robben is adamant that he will become one of the best players in the world just like the previous legends.
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But United defender Daley Blind had urged caution over the expectations of Depay in the early weeks of his Premier League career.
However, on Tuesday evening, Depay announced himself to the Old Trafford faithful, playing a man-of-the-match role in United’s 3-1 home win against Club Brugge in the first leg of the Champions League playoff round.
It’s helped that the back of United’s midfield is now arguably the strongest part of the side.
However, Blind, who partnered Chris Smalling in the centre of defence at Villa Park believes that it is only a “matter of time” before Depay shows his true quality.
“I remember the first time I watched him for United and I think about the goal he scored against Sunderland – he can do special things with a football“.
The £25million summer investment from PSV has failed to impress in his two matches for the club and missed a glorious chance to open his account for his new club in Friday’s 1-0 victory at Aston Villa.
Van Gaal was relieved that his side won but was quick to point out that they cannot afford to think they have already taken their place in the competition proper for the first time in two years.
In some ways, what has been most impressive about United this season has been what was supposed to be the great weakness: the defense. The build-up was less spectacular than before, but his finish was better.
Bruges, runner-up in the Belgian league and a European Cup finalist, faded after its strong start and Depay had chances to complete his hat trick in the second half.
United manager Louis van Gaal was glowing in his praise of the winger, who was deployed in his favoured position on the left.
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For Manchester United, the number 7 represents greatness.
