One of Manchester United’s shortcomings in the 2014/15 campaign was scoring goals and having a consistent, recognised goal scorer. With the departures of Falcao and van Persie, the need for Manchester United to sign a striker has increased, but could a certain 21 year-old Dutchman fulfil the task required, or is further investment still necessary?
Memphis Depay was Manchester United’s first summer signing and was one of the most coveted young footballers in the world after a promising World Cup, followed by a stellar season in the Eredivisie, helping to guide PSV Eindhoven to their first league title since 2008, scoring 22 goals – the highest in the league. His acquisition brought delight to many United fans as he possesses all the attributes that an Old Trafford winger should have, thus it was unsurprising to see many sceptics when Louis van Gaal suggested that he could play the striker position, stating: “It is one of the reasons that we have bought Memphis, because maybe you remember that he has played in the striker’s position also in the Dutch [national] team.” His central position in all three United pre-season games have all hinted that Memphis’ life as a United striker has just begun.
The first factor in this question is the player’s own physical and technical abilities, it is needless debating such question if Memphis wasn’t a renowned goal scorer. Despite being in a league of lower quality scoring 22 goals and being top scorer is an achievement for any 21 year-old playing on the wing. Memphis’ speed and desire to take on opponents and take a shot makes him an exciting prospect. However, his first touch and passing ability is also brilliant meaning his ability to link up play and set-up teammates make him a large threat in the centre of the field and coupled with his brute strength which makes him great for holding up the ball, he has all the attributes to succeed. His finishing ability was on show against the San Jose Earthquakes where he calmly tucked away a defender’s error with composure, which showed off his natural finishing ability. Memphis’ versatility is what makes him such an exciting prospect, his ability to drift in from wide areas and attacking prowess are just a few factors which has drawn comparison to a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.
A further benefit to using him as a striker would be that he saves further investment in another striker, names such as Mueller, Cavani and Kane have all been brandished, but they all come at considerable risk, mainly the displacement of Wayne Rooney. A stellar, big-name striker would have to start and in van Gaal’s 4-3-3 system it would resort to Rooney who has been given “special privileges” by van Gaal due to his captaincy, being dropped back into central midfield or the number 10 role, a detriment to his attacking talents. Using Memphis as a Striker would mean he could play on either wing, as a lone striker or as a second/support striker for Rooney, keeping the balance of the team. In this situation, Mourinho’s squad selection with Chelsea can be used as a perfect example having only Costa and Remy as their only two recognised strikers meant a chance for both to show their qualities and with adequate rotation, the pair flourished. If van Gaal uses Rooney, Chicharito and possibly Memphis as strikers not only does he save investment, but builds a core group of strikers which can flourish under different circumstances.
According to WhoScored.com, all of Memphis’ starts for PSV Eindhoven last term were as a left-winger, which is claimed to be his preferred position. When the Dutchman signed many thought he would simply slip right into the position Ashley Young had been excellently occupying for a number of months, yet pre-season line-ups show that Young won’t be replaced so easily. Despite his age and past performances, he has played valiantly in the last few months, racking up assists and creating excellent chances and simply removing him would be an injustice, only if he is upholding the same quality of performances. Memphis’ ability to play a central role would give an opportunity to Young, Januzaj and Pereira to continue playing, whilst also making the most of Memphis’ talents.
The biggest disadvantage to this is Memphis’ inexperience. Despite being top scorer in the Eredivisie, Memphis’ tender age and relative inexperience as a number 9 means that he may not necessarily be the best fit, especially for a league as physical and demanding as the Premier League. Whilst, fans have little doubt that Memphis will be a massive success, playing him as a striker would be almost similar to throwing him in at the deep end. At only 21, Memphis needs nurturing and good coaching, talents like him don’t come around often and whether it be frightening full backs on the left or giving United an injection of pace down the middle, Memphis has the attributes to fulfil either role and become Manchester United’s next world beater.
