IT’S fair to say Memphis Depay’s first season at Manchester United hasn’t exactly gone to plan. It could even be argued his Old Trafford future is in the balance after less than 12 months at the club.
The Holland international arrived at United last summer on the back of a superb campaign at PSV Eindhoven and with great expectations, the Red Devils having beaten a number of big clubs for his signature.
But after a promising start, things have gone steadily downhill for the 22-year-old.
As the Manchester Evening News reports:
“Few players are struggling more than Memphis to right their season. He has not started since being hooked at half-time at the Britannia Stadium after surrendering for the opening goal.
“As fans seek a focal point for their frustration, the winger has been chastised for late goals the team have conceded at Newcastle and Chelsea, for spending his wages on a flashy car and for celebrating his birthday.
“On or off the pitch, Memphis can’t seem to get any decisions right.”
There have already been comparisons made with another prodigious talent who never quite got it right at United – Nani. Flash haircuts, fast cars and too much fun off the pitch all seem more important than events on it.
The fact Depay flew back to Rotterdam for extravagant birthday celebrations immediately after United’s defeat at lowly Sunderland did him no favours.
To be fair, being a flair player in Louis van Gaal’s rigid structured system can’t be easy and Memphis has often been played out of his prefered position wide on the left. But, with all due respect to the Dutch league, he’s taken a huge step up in joining United and talent alone will not be enough to make it in the Premier League.
United fans, what do you think? Is Memphis on his way to becoming the ‘new Nani’ or, at just 22, do the club and supporters need to be patient and give him more time?
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Football Advisor – Predictions worth listening to
Derek Hattersley
Feb 17, 2016 at 12:18 pm
It was claimed Depay was the next Ronaldo but no player can be the next any previous or existing player. They are who they are. Ronaldo for all his ego put every ounce of effort into becoming the player he believed he was, he deserves credit for becoming a legend and there will not be another Ronaldo, there will not be another Messi and it is down to Depay to become a great player. It takes more than just talent, it needs dedication and at the moment he is dedicated to more to other areas of his life.
Druid
Feb 17, 2016 at 7:58 pm
Memphis DePay has great potential and would fit into the long term plans of many teams. Regretably, he joined Man U. just as they began their downhill slide and is now in limbo playing for a mid table EPL club along with a number of declining stars. Man U cannot recover until Woodward is long gone and a strategic plan is put in place to redevelop winning ways. If DePay gets a chance to move away from Man U.; he should do so. There is no career enhancing future with MU over the next few years.
Afuna
Feb 18, 2016 at 8:46 am
I Always Thought he had more showing off than performance.however, it is the whole team declining. if rooney doesnt score, man u loses points. we should play a 4.4.2 again and see. rooney and martial upfront. van gaal however is stubbornly insisting on a philosophy that has failed for 2 seasons. he finished 4th last time, if he doesnt make 3rd this season, goodbye wont be the saddest word.
Afuna
Feb 18, 2016 at 8:50 am
I Always Thought he had more showing off than performance.however, it is the whole team declining. if rooney doesnt score, man u loses points. we should play a 4.4.2 again and see. rooney and martial upfront. van gaal however is stubbornly insisting on a philosophy that has failed for 2 seasons. he finished 4th last time, if he doesnt make 3rd this season, goodbye wont be the saddest word…