Memphis Depay has been one of Manchester United’s most disappointing transfers in recent years. The Dutchman burst onto the European scene with PSV in the 14/15 season when he finished the season with an outstanding 28 goals in 40 games, but since his move to Old Trafford, the forward’s time has been nothing short of a misery.
Now, with Jose Mourinho taking over from Van Gaal, the man who signed him, the future looks even more bleak for the winger. Memphis has made just seven appearances for United this season, all of which coming off the bench. Depay has not been included in Mourinho’s squad for the tie against Fenerbahce in Turkey, despite the Portuguese confirming the 22-year-old is not injured.
Fenerbahce manager, Dick Advocaat – who handed Memphis his debut at PSV – says the youngster is too good to be on the bench at United, and should look to leave the club in order to fulfil his potential.
“The potential is there for him to be a good player,” Advocaat said. “You cannot lose that, he has the quality to be a top player, but the problem for him is that there are so many quality players in that squad.”
“So for himself it is important to start playing regularly at the age that he is at – otherwise the way, I think, is that maybe he has to find another solution [club] because he is too good to sit on the bench. I still believe in him, he has the right mentality, the right character to play for United, but there are so many options there. Regular playing time will help his progression.”
It is clear that Memphis is a wonderfully gifted player who can go on to achieve so much. However, it has been said by many that perhaps his attitude isn’t good enough for him to succeed at the highest level. It won’t be the first time that a Manchester United youngster has failed to live up to their huge potential. Maybe if the club decided not to pay such astronomical wages to players so young and unproven, their attitude might not falter.
We hope Memphis can turn his United career round, but it is entirely up to him to take advantage of the chances he is given by the club.
[Quotes via Sky Sports]