Louis van Gaal 'Forced' Memphis Depay Signing Through to Keep Star from PSG

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has revealed he was "forced" to act quickly when signing Memphis Depay because the 21-year-old was on the cusp of joining Paris Saint-Germain.  

PSV Eindhoven's versatile winger, who is currently the Eredivisie's top scorer with 21 goals this season, per ESPN FC, confirmed a deal to join the Red Devils on Thursday, as reported by United.

However, Van Gaal admits it was a close-run thing, as revealed in his recent interview with MUTV (via Adam Marshall of the club's website): "I was forced to handle [the situation] as a manager because, otherwise, he was going to PSG, that's why I had to sign him and we've done it within one day. But, for us, it's better to focus on the game against Palace."

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United's Twitter account provided further comments from the manager:

Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan believes United showed terrific desire to secure Depay's future. In an interview on TalkSport's Hawksbee and Jacobs show (h/t Ian Cruise of TalkSport), he detailed just how quickly United jumped into action:

"

Up until about 48 hours ago he wasn't going to go there. There was a bigger chance he would go to PSG or Liverpool.

But what happened in the last 48 hours was Man United became aware of the fact PSG were prepared to go a long, long way financially [to sign him]. The money PSG are offering to players is, I understand, flabbergasting.

But Man United attracts players much more than PSG, even though they’ve had a difficult one and a half years. PSG can lure them only with money.

"

Dmitry Lovetsky/Associated Press

Van der Kraan admits a "real forceful hand" pushed the United deal through, which is something he believes "shows the determination they have to get things right for next season."

Depay ranks among the most exciting players in Europe and has already proved himself to be a regular match-winner at PSV. Van Gaal utilised the speedy forward at the 2014 World Cup, where he scored two goals, and he will likely have no problem finding responsibility for the player when he arrives in England.

B/R UK's Stan Collymore believes Depay is a standout signing for the club:

United previously sneaked in to sign Angel Di Maria from under PSG's noses, as reported by Telefoot (h/t ESPN FC). The Argentinian set the club back a record £59.7 million during the summer, but he has since disappointed in the famous red. Supporters will undoubtedly hope Depay doesn't follow the same path after his arrival.

Van Gaal showed initiative to sign Depay, a player who has gained much traction on the continent; however, United need plenty more investment when the summer transfer market opens, especially if they're to become genuine title challengers under the Dutch boss.