Some of the keener tabloids have gone as far as to suggest that Manchester United have jetted Memphis Depay and his agent in to Manchester for talks over a deal for the Dutch international. Such is the interest in the Dutch league’s top scorer that Manchester United will want to get this one over the line early.
In a world replete with hyperbole we don’t want to go over the top here. But we will say that, while he is currently way off the master in terms of quality and output, Depay would be the first player through the Old Trafford door who has the potential to fill Cristiano Ronaldo’s boots.
So where would he play? The beauty of such a star is that he can do a job in any of the forward positions. If Louis wanted to go 3-5-2, Depay could play alongside a striker, as Arjen Robben did so well with RvP at The World Cup.
He could also play behind the front two in such a formation.
But Manchester United look more comfortable with 4 at the back and Louis’s preferred formation is 4-3-3. So we could either see Manchester United play a frightening looking 4-3-3 with Depay one side of Rooney and Di Maria the other.
Or, if the Argentine is shipped out in the summer, then Mata could offer artistry on the right and Depay, pace and power on the left.
Alternatively, Manchester United could employ a 4-2-3-1 and use all three.
Whichever system Louis goes for Depay is going to demand starts pretty much straight away. So, the way we see it, Manchester United are going to have to disappoint one of Mata, Fellaini, Herrera or Di Maria.
Let’s see Depay smashing up d place with his goals and skills. United fans: how would you fit Depay into the side?
