Former Holland striker Pierre van Hooijdonk says comparisons with Ryan Giggs for Manchester United signing Memphis Depay are wide of the mark.

Despite Depay's ­preferred position on the left and his flair, Van Hooijdonk has told United fans not to ­expect a direct ­replacement for Giggs.

He said: “Memphis is a completely different player. If you think that by signing a left-winger you get somebody who ­compares with Giggs then you have signed the wrong one.

“He plays on the left but loves to come inside. He will have ­fewer ­assists than Giggs but he will score more goals.

“He's a great striker of the ball. He has that power to swerve one, but he is also able to take good free-kicks with the inside of his boot and bend it over a wall or round it."