McClaren Wary Of Memphis Threat

By Dominic Scurr

Steve McClaren feels his Newcastle United side will have to be at their best to stop Memphis Depay when they travel to Old Trafford on Saturday in the Barclays Premier League.

The Manchester United new-boy grabbed an impressive brace in a 3-1 Champions League qualifying win over Club Brugge on Tuesday, and McClaren knows only too well how much of a threat the Dutch international forward can be.

"I've seen him play many times in Holland when I was there and he's a very good player," said the Newcastle head coach.

"What is good about him as a winger is that he's got an end product and unfortunately for us, he's beginning to show that at Manchester United.

"That's why he's cost so much, because a lot of wingers these days don't have an end product. But he does and that's why we'll have to be wary of him."

One Red Devils player who appears to be struggling for form is striker Wayne Rooney, but McClaren believes the Manchester United captain still has the ability to influence any game.

"Wherever he plays or whatever he does, there is always going to be someone who has something to say about Wayne," continued McClaren.

"Last year he played a lot of games in midfield and people complained, and now he's a striker and people are complaining.

"Wayne is one of those players who just can't seem to win but it won't bother him. That's just what Wayne is about. He'll just play his game and, wherever he is on the park, he just enjoys it.

"On Tuesday (against Club Brugge) I saw glimpses of the old Wayne Rooney, creating chances, working hard, being a nuisance and he's developing into a real leader in that team."