Memphis Depay admits Manchester United urged him to miss final games for PSV amid injury fears

Memphis Depay has revealed both Manchester United and PSV Eindhoven wanted him to sit out of the Dutch side's final two games of the season, fearing an injury could potentially scupper his move to Old Trafford.

United confirmed their move for Depay, 21, in early May after an approach from Paris Saint-Germain forced Louis van Gaal's side to swoop in ahead of the competition.

The Netherlands international successfully completed his medical on 22 May but, prior to that, both United and PSV were concerned over a potentially problematic injury, chiefly in the Dutch's side final game of the season against ADO Den Haag, who play on an artificial pitch.

Depay came through unscathed, though, scoring his 22<sup>nd league goal of the season in a 3-2 win, but has since revealed his new employers were not impressed with his decision.

"I really wanted to play and for our coach [Phillip Cocu], it was not a big issue," he told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf on 3 June.

"But PSV and Manchester United were not pleased. They both suggested that I sit out because of fear over injuries. I wanted to become top scorer and break the total points record with PSV. So I absolutely wanted to play."

Depay is training with the Netherlands squad ahead of the friendly international against the United States on 5 June. His new United teammate Daley Blind, also with the national squad ahead of the game in Amsterdam, took the chance to provide another ringing endorsement of his countryman, who he expects big things of in Manchester.

"He is a player who can change games," Blind explained to Manchester United's official website. "He has a great free kick, a great dribble, a great shot. He's young, talented and always wants to work hard.

"He always wants to better himself on the training pitch, that's how I know him. I think he is quiet, but if he has something to say he will! He is very confident, but he is a good guy."