With Louis van Gaal acting as a ‘father figure’ for Manchester United’s latest signing, the manager will most likely want to see his little lad lining up each week for the club.
Unless he should massively disappoint – and his price tag suggests otherwise – Memphis Depay’s name should be getting read out over the tanoid on match days. But which mantle will we be seeing the 21-year-old uphold?
Some 405 miles from home, playing the Netherlands International out of position would only serve to unsettle him even more so and a player unhappy in their surroundings is something we’ve seen so often displace potential. Although the two men already have a Dutch connection, our manager has built a reputation for shifting potential from where it belongs. Wayne Rooney as a midfield maestro and Angel di Maria’s striking fruits when in front of goal are two prime examples – and what wonders this experimentation has done for both of their seasons… It’s not likely but we can only hope he makes an exception for Depay.
Either wing should be on red alert at the PSV ace’s arrival as Depay is known for his magic on the leftmost flank, but is in fact right-footed and could unleash one from either side. He even admitted in an interview subsequent to completing his move that “a keeper can almost never catch my shots”. His goal-to-game ratio for his former club suggests van Gaal’s first signature in preparation for the 2015/16 campaign is even more versatile than we first thought, perhaps even plugging the gap upfront if needs be. Could the Red Devils be swapping one Dutchman for another? Liverpool’s interest in the man in question hints that they might have utilized him there, already having four wingers at their disposal and crying out for a forward.
Depay is a much more attractive prospect than Ashley Young from the outset and at present, our number seven, so you’d expect him to be living up to his reputation with those mean deliveries. On the contrary, as previously mentioned, van Gaal isn’t afraid to have his support question his decisions when filling in the team sheet, therefore, if it takes the five-foot-nine footballer some time to find his feet, don’t be surprised if he’s warming the bench in the early stages. Don’t fret either, just look at Ander Herrera!
Some have suggested the new boy could shift into a number 10 rol, as should Gareth Bale open dialogue with those at Old Trafford and di Maria sit tight, then where would he fit in? The winger wouldn’t be the first to alter his style of play under van Gaal in order to earn the jersey. Maybe the likes of Fellaini and Mata should watch their backs also.
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