Memphis Depay Likened to Cristiano Ronaldo, Louis Van Gaal 'Wants to Kiss' Hero

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has cut a disgruntled figure at times in the infancy of the 2015-16 campaign. But new signing Memphis Depay gave him plenty to smile about on Tuesday night with a virtuoso display against Club Brugge, drawing comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Depay bagged a brace and an assist in United’s 3-1 win over the Belgian outfit in their Champions League qualifier, showcasing quick feet, dazzling skills and an eye for goal in a rounded performance. Needless to say, Van Gaal was delighted with his compatriot’s efforts, per Chris Wheeler of the MailOnline:

"

I want to kiss him tonight because when you score two goals and have an assist then normally in the world you are the hero.

He is never satisfied and I like that because you have to know what you are doing and also what you can do. Then your desire to improve is higher—and that’s Memphis.

"

Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

Although the Red Devils have struggled for attacking spark in their opening two Premier League matches, grinding out 1-0 wins in both, Depay has shown early promise. His movement off the ball shows a maturity that belies his tender years, while his confidence on it suggests the 21-year-old is not daunted by the intimidating prospect of playing for Manchester United.

Here’s a look at the winger’s second goal of two on the night, per fanatix:

"

#MUFC 2-1 #ClubBrugge | GOAL It's the perfect half for Memphis. Can he get a hattrick? Courtesy: Vine #MUFCVBRUGGE http://t.co/S3SPhxRDFW

— fanatix (@therealfanatix) August 18, 2015"

It was a display not too dissimilar to those put in by a former incumbent of the No. 7 shirt, Ronaldo. He too amalgamated dribbling, dynamism and a little bit of ego in his United career; the Portuguese went on to win three Premier League titles and a Champions League with the Red Devils, departing for Real Madrid a legend in 2009.

Sergey Ponomarev/Associated Press

Speaking on BT Sport, former United defender Rio Ferdinand suggested Depay could go on to scale the heights of Old Trafford icons, including David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo, per Luke Augustus of the MailOnline:

"

I think the thing that excites you as well is that you can see he wants to be a star, he wants to be the main man, he wants the ball all the time, he wants to be the man at the end of moves who shoots and scores. This crowd love and warm to people like that - you've seen it over the years with the likes of [Cristiano] Ronaldo and [Wayne] Rooney.

That cross was [David] Beckham-esque with the bend and whip. You haven't got to beat players but kids these days watch YouTube and just want to do that all the time. He just put that on a six-pence. Beautiful.

"

Clive Mason/Getty Images

While it was an enthralling display, it’s important not to get too far ahead of ourselves. Depay is an exciting talent who certainly has the potential to go on to scale world-class heights, but there are still rough edges to his game, which is natural for a young wide player. 

Nevertheless, as we can see here courtesy of OptaJoe, the early signs are definitely encouraging:

This display will pave the way for increased expectations, starting with this Saturday’s clash at home to Newcastle United in the Premier League.

It’ll be intriguing to see how Depay handles the role of United talisman, as it seems as though that particular mantle is going to be thrust upon him by plenty. Caution and patience must be exercised, though, because as is the case with any burgeoning player, there will be natural fluctuations in performance levels in the weeks to come.