Louis van Gaal: 'Memphis Depay could flop like Angel di Maria'

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has told out-of-form Memphis Depay to improve or run the risk of becoming this season's equivalent to Angel di Maria.

The 21-year-old, a £25m summer signing from PSV Eindhoven, has netted one Premier League goal in eight outings so far, with assistant coach Ryan Giggs telling him to curb his party boy lifestyle recently.

Di Maria left the Red Devils in August to join Paris Saint-Germain for £44m, one year after sealing a British record £59.8m move to Old Trafford from Real Madrid.

As a result, Van Gaal cannot help but draw similarities between the duo, and admits his fears that the Netherlands star - an unused sub in Saturday's 3-0 win at Everton - could also struggle under the spotlight.

"Ryan has already given advice to him but the player is responsible for his own deeds," he is quoted as saying by The Mirror. "You have to give respect to your team philosophy.

"We have seen that some players cannot adapt to the team philosophy. You cannot know in advance before you buy them.

"You have to wait and see. That happened with Angel di Maria and [last season's loan signing Radamel] Falcao."

Depay has netted three Champions League goals this season, with two of those coming in a playoff tie with Club Brugge prior to the group stages.