LVG feeling the love for Depay

LOUIS van Gaal declared his love for Memphis Depay after watching the Manchester United new boy stun Club Brugge last night.

Depay scored two fantastic goals and set up Marouane Fellaini for the other in United’s 3–1 win over Brugge in the first leg of their Champions League play–off at Old Trafford.

“I want to kiss him tonight,” the United manager said. “I’m very happy for him because a player needs that. I have confidence in him. He showed what he can do..”

Despite opening his account for United in style, Depay left Old Trafford with a tinge of disappointment at not completing his hat trick. The £25million forward failed to square the ball to Adnan Januzaj in the Brugge box in the first half when he should have shot

“I’m happy that I scored, and of course I’m happy that we won, but I must admit I’m a bit disappointed because I could have scored the last two chances and got a hat–trick,” Depay said afterwards.

Depay’s double and Fellaini’s header have put United firmly in the driver’s seat ahead of next Wednesday’s second leg.

If United get their way, they could have a new signing on their books by the time they fly to Belgium next week. United have been trying to finalise a deal for Pedro over the last 48 hours, but Van Gaal was giving little away regarding the club’s attempts to sign the Barcelona forward.



MANCHESTER City are said to be closing in on a deal to sign Valencia’s Argentinian star Nicolas Otamendi (27). Talks between the two clubs over a proposed £30m deal are believed to be at an advanced stage.