After more criticism of the Netherlands international, the coach says "real" Red Devils fans were backing him in his display for the club's Under-21 side

Louis van Gaal insists "real" Manchester United fans are right behind Memphis Depay despite mounting criticism of the winger.

Captain Wayne Rooney had to come to Depay's defense in the wake of the 1-1 draw with Chelsea, with the summer signing facing a barrage of fury from United fans on social media after having gifted possession to the Blues shortly before Diego Costa's late equalizer.

Depay started for the Under-21 side against Norwich City on Monday and produced a strong performance, helping to set up three goals in the 7-0 victory while showing a renewed confidence on the ball.

And Van Gaal believes the support from the crowd means the 21-year-old has the chance to bring that kind of form to the senior side, as United enter a crucial period of the season domestically and in the Europa League.

"I think it was a very good match for him. He could raise his confidence, I've seen the reaction of the fans, the real fans who look at the second team," Van Gaal told the media on Friday. "He had three assists and he was enthusiastic. It's good for him, that's why I let him play. I can't play too many in the second team because we have a lot of matches.

"That was more or less the last time I could play with him in the second team."

United faces Sunderland on Saturday, against whom Depay scored his first Premier League goal in the reverse fixture in September.