Former Dutch international Pierre van Hooijdonk has called on Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal to take a hard line approach with Memphis Depay.

The 25-year-old forward has struggled to settle at Old Trafford, with his performances faltering amid off field problems.

Van Hooijdonk believes the solution for getting the best out of Depay is tough love from Red Devils manager van Gaal.

"What to do with a guy like Memphis?" van Hooijdonk wrote in his column for Voetbal International.

"The national team coach knows he needs him in the future. It's obvious that he has exceptional qualities.

"But he needs a type that says: Friend, act normal. Quit screwing around and start playing football. Someone needs to be an a**hole to him.

"It's possible that he will turn against you if you say something about his qualities or his behaviour. Worst case: he doesn't run for you at all."