Lyon ace Memphis Depay says the strict methods of Louis van Gaal at Manchester United worked against him.

Depay makes the revelation in his new book, 'Heart of a Lion'.

He wrote: "It was very frustrating I didn't reach my usual level," Memphis said when reflecting on United his new book Heart of a Lion.

"The adaption took more time than I thought and soon I had problems with the defensive way of playing. My freedom on the pitch was limited. Doing that means you limit my main qualities. At PSV I had the freedom to search for the offensive spaces and follow my instincts.

"At United I got confused. I had to follow the tactical orders of Van Gaal, otherwise I would certainly lose my spot in the team. Van Gaal doesn't like players who don't follow up on his comments. Meanwhile I knew I couldn't get the best out of my play this way: staying on the left side of the field, running back and forth. I didn't understand: you buy me because of my specific qualities you saw at PSV and the Dutch national team.

"After that you put me in a role where I can't play that way anymore. For me that was confusing."