Manchester United Transfer News: Memphis Depay on Cristiano Ronaldo, PSG, More

New Manchester United signing Memphis Depay admits he is an admirer of Old Trafford legend Cristiano Ronaldo, and that if he hadn't spoken to Louis van Gaal, he would have joined Paris Saint-Germain.

Depay scored an excellent 35-yard free-kick during his last home match with PSV Eindhoven on Sunday, his 22nd goal of the Eredivisie season, per ESPN FC. In an interview with Phil Cadden of The Sun (h/t ESPN FC), the Dutchman admitted he specifically works on improving his quality from set pieces, much like a certain United legend:

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I hope I can one day be like the big guys in the world. I train every day on my free kicks and the United fans can expect something. I believe in myself and, if I have the chance to take the free kick, then I will put it in the net.

Ronaldo is someone I watch, I watch all the big players. I look up to them and I can learn from them. I am down to earth and I hope I can reach that level. I'll fight for it and I will do my best in every training session to get better.

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Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

United have a history of notable free-kick takers, from Denis Irwin and David Beckham to Ronaldo. Depay's latest effort was tweeted by Copa90:

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So Depay just scored this freekick for PSV. Quite far out that... http://t.co/Aso0J5FDUK

— Copa90 (@Copa90) May 10, 2015"

Squawka tweeted a notable stat after this goal:

Depay suggested he would follow in Ronaldo's footsteps by wearing the club's iconic No. 7 shirt—currently worn by Angel Di Maria—with a recent tweet:

When asked whether he will wear the number, Depay responded: "It's a dream, we will see," per Cadden.

The 22-year-old admitted he was on the verge of signing for PSG before United boss Louis van Gaal—who gave him his international debut with the Netherlands—stepped in. Depay's comments were reported by The Sun (h/t ESPN FC):

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The transfer to PSG was really close. I always knew United were interested but it was nothing concrete. Then at the last moment they called and I spoke with their coach. It was a difficult situation but, after I spoke to Louis van Gaal, I said, 'I am going to go to Manchester.' I'm really proud and I believe I can be a big player at Old Trafford. I will give everything I have.

"

Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Van Gaal admitted he was forced to act fast to sign the player during a recent interview with MUTV, ahead of United's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. Adam Marshall of the club's official website reported Van Gaal's comments: "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."

United midfielder Juan Mata, who scored the opener against Palace, welcomed Depay to the club in the latest iteration of his weekly blog: "This week we have known the signing of Memphis Depay for the next season. He’s a young footballer who has shown his quality in the Dutch League. Like any new team-mate arriving here, he will be welcomed and we will help him to settle in quickly."

Depay's signing is likely to be the first of many for United, who are all but guaranteed Champions League football next season. They are six points ahead of Liverpool with two games remaining after the Merseyside club's draw with Chelsea. This means the Red Devils' superior goal difference—plus 14 over Liverpool at the time of writing—is likely to save them even if they fail to grasp a further point this campaign.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

United have captured one of the continent's best young players, someone who is dedicated to his craft. Van Gaal's determination to snap him up says it all about the versatile winger. Depay is graced with the ambition and natural attributes to have an extremely successful career in the Premier League. Goalscoring wingers are hard to come by, especially for United, who have so far failed to replace Ronaldo.

It would be unfair on Depay to suggest he will ever reach CR7's level, though. Right now, he's an in-form, talented youngster who has shown match-winning qualities in the Netherlands. He has the potential to dominate on the Champions League stage, but United fans should allow him ample settling in time before judging. His quality is clear, as is his suitability for the team, noted by B/R UK's Stan Collymore:

Depay's arrival could be the start of something exciting for United, who have plenty of improving to do if they are to be considered title challengers under Van Gaal.

With the manager's first-year objective of returning to Europe's elite competition almost achieved, thoughts can begin to turn to the summer and beyond.