Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal made his first signing of the summer on Thursday when purchasing Memphis Depay from PSV Eindhoven for £25million. However, Van Gaal revealed was reluctant to sign the 21 year old before the end of the campaign.

The Dutchman would have preferred to have waited until June, but said he had to sign the player now as Paris St Germain were also determined to sign him.

"I have been forced to sign him," the Dutchman said.

"I don't want to sign him before the end of the season. We have to focus on our games.

"When you sign a player you disturb the focus of your present group of players.

"The coming matches are very important for Manchester United and for all of the players. But because of the market, I must handle it (now) - because otherwise he would have signed for PSG.

"That is why I signed Memphis."

When asked why he felt Depay was in danger of signing for PSG, Van Gaal said: "Because at that time he was not reached by me.

"I don't want to speak with players before the season has ended.

"I have also a feeling to my players. But now, because of the close relationship I have with PSV, I could handle it."