Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal insists Memphis Depay will be better for his run with the U21s this week.

The summer signing's sparkling performance for Warren Joyce's side will stand him in good stead for the first-team challenges ahead.

"The game he played against Norwich was a good game for him," the manager told MUTV. "I think a lot of fans enjoyed his performance; I was there also and I watched him.

"There was a lot of criticism but you have to cope with that. For him it was a very good match as it could raise his confidence and I have seen the reaction of the fans.

"These fans are the real fans, those who look to the second team, and they were very enthusiastic. He had three assists, but all his actions were very enthusiastic and it is also good for him.

"I let him play but I cannot play too much of the first selection in the second team because I have to cope with a lot of matches. So now we play Sunderland and then against Midtjylland, before playing Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup.

"I have to cope with this, so Monday was the last time that I could play Memphis in the second team, but also Januzaj and other players."