Depay not giving up on United dream

Posted Saturday, May 28, 2016 by foxsportsasia.com

Memphis Depay is determined to prove his worth to new Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho after failing to live up to expectations in his debut season at Old Trafford.

The Netherlands international arrived at United with much fanfare last year following his title exploits with PSV, for whom he scored 22 goals in 30 Eredivisie outings.

However, Depay struggled to make an impact in the Premier League under compatriot Louis van Gaal, scoring just twice in 16 starts and 13 substitutes appearances.

The 22-year-old winger finished the league campaign on the bench and was not even part of the squad that won the FA Cup last weekend when they beat Crystal Palace 2-1 in the final.

Depay admits his first year in England was a trying experience, but he’s not about to give up on his dream and has vowed to keep working hard under Mourinho, who replaced the sacked Van Gaal on Friday.

“It’s not been a bad year, but it’s not been a good year,” the Dutchman told Unscriptd. “It’s been right there in the middle. I have more expectations from myself and the fans as well, that’s normal.

“It’s been new for me, this season, to play in the Premier League. The experience that I get this season is important, also the things I have to deal with.

“Sometimes I’ve made a mistake or I haven’t played good for a game and you get put on the bench. It’s new for me as well.

“Last season I was playing and I was scoring every game and this season it’s 50-50. I have some games on the bench for 90 minutes. That’s new and it’s hard. Of course, it pissed you off, to be honest, sometimes.

“But you need to keep going and keep believing in yourself because you are the first person who must believe in yourself. No matter what, you have to always keep your chest out. Sometimes it’s hard, it’s really hard.

“But I’m still young, 22. If you believe in something that you can achieve, I think you will make it if you put everything into it. That’s my motto: dream, believe, achieve. I don’t want to give up on anything.”