His debut for Manchester United, against Club America, was quiet despite some nice touches.
And, positioned again in the hole behind Wayne Rooney against San Jose, Manchester United’s bright new hope Memphis Depay was struggling to have an impact on the game again for the first 40 minutes of the match on Wednesday.
But then he scored and a new star was born at Manchester United.
Wayne Rooney looked as if he was going down a cul-de-sac as the defender blocked his path. But he then carelessly under hit the pass back to his keeper.
It still had enough weight, however, to have eluded most players.
But the pace of Memphis Depay is frightening.
He stole in behind the defender and hit the ball with great composure – a real poacher’s finish and his first for Manchester United.
It nestled in the back of the net and the youngster’s relief was palpable.
From that moment on Memphis played with more confidence, instinct and swagger.
As the first half came to a close he fashioned the most delightful flick, which dissected two midfielders on the half way line and completely opened up the game for Manchester United.
Depay is most certainly a work in progress.
But he can be a match winner through and through for United – a player who can affect the biggest games on the biggest stages of all.
On this evidence Manchester United fans are going to get their fill of fun with Memphis.
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