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It is not difficult to find icons at Old Trafford. From former greats in the stands on matchday to Sir Alex Ferguson’s name on a stand, reminders of the past are everywhere you look.

But Manchester United's No.7 shirt is in a class of its own thanks to the famous names who have filled it over the decades.

From Best to Cantona, Beckham to Ronaldo, the ghosts of the past make it a daunting prospect to pull that one over your head.

For the latest keeper of the flame however, the red No.7 is nothing more than an inspiration to prove he can be one of the greats.

Memphis Depay’s transfer from PSV Eindhoven put him under the spotlight because of the £31million price tag — a lumpy payout for a 21-year-old who had only ever played in the Dutch league.

(Image: Daily Mirror)

A cautious start ended midway through the second half of Saturday's win over Tottenham when he was substituted, but afterwards he promised there was plenty more to come.

He said: “Last year I played with no.7 and I scored a lot of goals so I am confident with that number. It’s an honour to wear the no.7 and I will wear it with pride.

“I know the history about the number. I appreciate it. But I want to be my own man. I want to show that I can wear it with pride.”

It took him a little while to take in the size of where he now plays but he is ready to be part of United’s entertaining philosophy.

He said: “It was a good experience — different to playing in the PSV stadium. It’s the biggest stadium I have ever played in. The stadium and pitch is bigger, everything goes faster. But that is what I like about the Premier League.

“I want to bring creative things, goals. I have to play with discipline in midfield. I can’t lose the ball too much, I can make risks on the side when I come in the third phase, then I can make my tricks and take risks.

"What I did last year, I want to do that in Manchester United.”

Memphis spent his debut largely playing in behind captain and main striker Wayne Rooney.

He had one early shot blocked but it was Rooney who should have scored the only goal after 22 minutes, only for the ball to stick under his feet and full-back Kyle Walker to inadvertently put past his own keeper in trying to clear.

Christian Eriksen could have scored early on for Spurs, only to lob too high while Sergio Romero marked his debut with a good late save to deny the same player.

United boss Louis van Gaal celebrated his 64th birthday with the opening-day win and he was encouraged with Memphis, even though he sees him as a work in progress.

In pictures — Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham:

Van Gaal said: “It is a new position for him and he has to adapt to the new position because he is a goal-scoring type.

“We have to wait and see if he can fulfil the demands of this position but that’s also because Ashley Young is playing very good on the left side. That is the circumstances now but it can change during the season. He can play in this position.”

As for his ability to create a working partnership with Rooney, LVG added: “Yeah, but he is too eager, I think.

“I have said that in advance. New players, especially young players, want to show their qualities. The next match, because of that, will be better for him.”

Whether it will be good enough to rate alongside past greats remains to be seen but given the last two seasons of frustration at Old Trafford, starting with a win was all that anyone cared about.

The flair Memphis promises will be a welcome bonus.