Ryan Giggs tips Ghanaian to follow in the footsteps of Ronaldo, Beckham as Manchester United free-kick expert

Published on: 28 June 2015
Ryan Giggs tips Ghanaian to follow in the footsteps of Ronaldo, Beckham as Manchester United free-kick expert
Ghanaian striker Memphis Depay has joined Manchester United

Ryan Giggs tips Manchester United new-boy Memphis Depay to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham

  • Memphis Depay joins Manchester United this summer for £25million
  • He finished top scorer in the Eredivisie last season at PSV Eindhoven
  • Ryan Giggs has tipped Depay to follow in the footsteps of some of United's great free-kick takers in Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham
  • The United assistant boss hopes Depay will score 10 free-kicks every year

Ben Nagle for MailOnline

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has tipped Memphis Depay, the striker of Ghanaian parentage to become the club's next free-kick talisman, following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham.

United have a star-studded list of former free-kick takers going back through their history, and assistant boss Giggs believes Depay could have what it takes to match their achievements.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Giggs said: 'One thing we probably have lacked since Cristiano - and Becks before him - is free-kicks. And it looks like Depay has a great track record from free-kicks as well.

Memphis Depay became Manchester United's first signing of the summer when he joined from PSV Eindhoven

Memphis Depay became Manchester United's first signing of the summer when he joined from PSV Eindhoven

Depay has already received praise from Ryan Giggs, who believes he will be a success at Old Trafford

Depay has already received praise from Ryan Giggs, who believes he will be a success at Old Trafford

Giggs says Depay can follow in the footsteps of great United free-kick takers, such as David Beckham (above)

Giggs says Depay can follow in the footsteps of great United free-kick takers, such as David Beckham (above)

'Over a season, if you can score more from free-kicks and corners it adds up and makes a real difference in winning games. So, no pressure... but hopefully he'll score 10 free-kicks every year.'

Aside from free-kick ability, there are sure to be comparisons drawn between the player Giggs was at United, and the player Depay can become. The former United man - who made 963 appearances for the club - played in the same position as the young Dutch star for most of his career.

According to Giggs - who knows a thing or two about the Manchester United crowd - Depay will go down well at Old Trafford.

'[Depay] is the kind Old Trafford will warm to,' Giggs continues. 'He's an exciting player, but there's also substance behind it. He was top scorer in the Dutch league and got plenty of assists as well.

Depay is likely to become Manchester United's free-kick taker, and Giggs hopes he will score 10 a season

Depay is likely to become Manchester United's free-kick taker, and Giggs hopes he will score 10 a season

There are likely to be comparisons drawn between United legend Giggs (left) and new boy Depay

There are likely to be comparisons drawn between United legend Giggs (left) and new boy Depay

United assistant boss Giggs says the club have lacked a proper free-kick since Cristiano Ronaldo (pictured)

United assistant boss Giggs says the club have lacked a proper free-kick since Cristiano Ronaldo (pictured)

Depay can scores free-kicks like Ronaldo and Beckham

 

'He's a "United" type. Our fans demand exciting players, players who can get them off their seats and score spectacular goals.'

While playing for PSV Eindhoven last season, Depay netted 25 times in all competitions, playing a major role in helping the club to the Eredivisie title.

He's certainly exciting, and at 21 years old has the potential to create a special career at Old Trafford, much like the man heaping praise on him ahead of the new season.

Giggs played on the wing for much of his United career and Depay will hope to follow in his talented footsteps

Giggs played on the wing for much of his United career and Depay will hope to follow in his talented footsteps

Depay and Louis van Gaal (left, in 2014) originally know each other from international duty with Holland

Depay and Louis van Gaal (left, in 2014) originally know each other from international duty with Holland

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