Memphis Depay wants No 7 shirt that Angel Di Maria is vacating at Manchester United

Dutch youngster has told Louis van Gaal of his desire to wear iconic shirt

Simon Rice
Thursday 06 August 2015 04:41 EDT
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Memphis Depay
Memphis Depay (GETTY IMAGES)

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Memphis Depay has told Louis van Gaal he wants to wear the No 7 shirt that Angel Di Maria will imminently be vacating.

The iconic shirt was handed to Di Maria upon his arrival at Old Trafford last summer. But after a difficult debut season the Argentina international is joining PSG.

It means the famous jersey worn by the likes of George Best, Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo will be vacant.

Despite the burden that comes with the shirt, summer signing Depay is ready to take it upon his shoulders and has expressed as much to Van Gaal. That vocal desire signals a confidence and determination in the 21-year-old that will excite Manchester United fans.

There is also hope around Old Trafford that the £25m man from PSV Eindhoven could walk in the footsteps of another former United No 7 with his free-kick taking. Former Manchester United defender Dennis Irwin has backed Depay to match David Beckham with his set-pieces.

"I think Memphis could match Becks in that sense," Irwin told ManUtd.com. "I saw him score a few goals last year for PSV and I think he will be a big addition to our team."

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