Is Memphis Training Hard In Readiness For A Winter Transfer?

Is Memphis Training Hard In Readiness For A Winter Transfer?

As we know Memphis has had a difficult time this season breaking into the United first XI under Jose Mourinho despite the boss seemingly having understanding for the youngster’s situation. The manager said back in August that he was ‘sad’ to leave Memphis out of the squad for the match against Southampton and just last week spoke about Memphis again saying it ‘hurt’ to omit the winger from the hammering of West Ham in the EFL Cup. So Jose Mourinho has definitely not forgotten about the Dutchman who has only made 8 appearances for United so far this season.

There has been talk of Memphis leaving the Red-Devils in January either on loan or even permanently with Everton reported as a likely destination by many media outlets based upon Ronald Koeman’s open admiration for the winger. Adding fuel to this proposed move is the fact that following his latest ommission from the match-day squad (this time to play Zorya) the young wideman took to SnapChat to detail the lengthy workouts he has been doing away from United’s Carrington training complex. As his social media account revealed the player even proceeded to stretch and swim with friends at his Cheshire home after completing a double workout earlier on in the day this past Wednesday as the Manchester Evening News reported.

It is disappointing that Memphis has hardly had a chance to show what he can really do in a game under Jose Mourinho. Although he did start the first two games of Jose Mourinho’s tenure playing both pre-season friendlies against Wigan Athletic and Borussia Dortmund Memphis obviously did not do enough to impress. With Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford all looking good when deployed on the wings plus Ashley Young still able to contribute when called upon, Memphis has been unable to press his claims to start matches yet alone get that all important run of games to build confidence and find a good rhythm.


At this stage barring injuries it seems as though Memphis may also have a frustrating lack of matches in the second half of the season. However, if he does stick around with the club he only needs to look at Henrikh Mkhitaryan and his rebirth to get some inspiration and realise that if he works hard with his talent he can be playing for Manchester United under Jose Mourinho. The £26.3million fee United paid PSV Eindhoven to secure the services of Memphis looks like it could be a bust but United must not allow him to leave cheaply. In fact it would surely be a big mistake to let a young player with such raw pace and genuine talent to leave before really getting the opportunites he needs under the new manager. You sense that Jose Mourinho understands this and will not let the Dutchman move from United or at least not permanently with a loan deal the only possibility you would have to think.

Hopefully the reason for Memphis’ training regime is simply that he is totally focused on getting himself into tip-top shape and is looking to force his way back into Jose Mourinho’s first team plans as he aims to re-ignite his season in the red of Manchester United.