Louis van Gaal has insisted that the "real" Manchester United supporters are behind under-fire winger Memphis Depay.
The 21-year-old started the season brightly after arriving from PSV Eindhoven last summer, but has struggled to impress over the last couple of months.
Criticism also came the Dutchman's way for conceding possession during the latter stages of last week's Premier League clash with Chelsea, which ultimately saw the home side score late on to secure a point.
Depay started Man United's Under-21 game against Norwich City on Monday, however, and Van Gaal has said that he was pleased with the attacker's performance and indeed the reaction of the fans to the No.7.
"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 reporters.
"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."
Depay is once again expected to be on the bench when Man United travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
Matt Law
