Manchester United starlet Memphis Depay can replicate David Beckham influence says Denis Irwin

Former Manchester United defender Denis Irwin says new signing Memphis Depay can become the club's next David Beckham when it comes to set pieces.

Depay, 21, became United's first signing of the summer in May and has already shown early signs of his promise during preseason, scoring against San Jose Earthquakes during the tour of the US.

"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.

"It's still early days yet, but there's no doubt that he has a lot of talent. He brings that unpredictability and we don't possess too many players like that.

"His records will tell you that, even though he's young, he's a goalscorer as well, having scored 28 goals last year in Holland. We've already seen how good he is at finishing, so I think he'll become a big player for us even though he's young."

Depay is one of five new signings at Old Trafford this summer alongside Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Matteo Darmian and Sergio Romero.

Former Republic of Ireland international Irwin has already been impressed by full-back Darmian and feels United have already given themselves plenty more options ahead of the new season.

"[Morgan] Schneiderlin has had a great few years at Southampton, he's very mobile, not afraid to put a tackle in and it was a bonus for him to get a goal on his tour debut," said Irwin. "I think he'll be an important player for us.

"[Matteo] Darmian looks more than accomplished in the full-back position. I don't know an awful lot about him but he's done well in the games he's played in. And of course [Bastian] Schweinsteiger is obviously a serial winner -- he's won several Bundesliga titles, the World Cup and made over 100 appearances for Germany and 500 for Bayern Munich, so he's a very experienced player."