The hysterical and largely impatient nature of modern-day football means that it’s not uncommon for a player to fall asleep ‘world class’ and wake up to find himself an ‘overrated fraud.’ Despite attention spans getting shorter within football, expectations are only getting higher. The initial delirium over the fee paid for striker Anthony Martial has since been replaced by raging optimism and widespread speculation regarding the Frenchman’s potential.
Justifiably so, fans and pundits alike have lauded over the qualities that Martial has shown thus far. Scoring a sublime solo goal on your debut is impressive enough, but achieving this whilst beating bitter rivals Liverpool is about as good as an Old Trafford introduction gets. Martial followed up his debut with 2 well taken goals against Southampton and a League Cup goal which helped beat Ipswich Town. Akin to his goals, the hype shows no sign of stopping either. Comparisons to Thierry Henry are growing more frequent and a day doesn’t go by without an ex-United player singing his praises. How Martial handles all of the expectation remains to be seen, but one man who could benefit greatly from Martial’s emergence is Memphis Depay.
The spotlight was firmly pointed at Memphis on his arrival at United. After flashes of brilliance for Netherlands at the World Cup, Memphis fired PSV to their 22nd Eredivisie title scoring 22 goals in the process. He also finished the season as the league’s top scorer, which was quite the achievement for a then 20-year-old not playing as his club’s main forward. This didn’t go unnoticed within the elite of European football as a seemingly endless list of clubs were linked with the Dutchman; the eventual suitors being Manchester United.
For a reported fee of £25m United had signed one of the top prospects in Europe who came with glowing references and attributes seemingly perfect for The Premier League. It didn’t take long before comparisons were lazily made to Cristiano Ronaldo, Arjen Robben and even George Best. In keeping with modern football, social media also found itself flooded with video compilations showcasing Memphis’ tricks, goals and swaggering demeanour. Anticipation levels were boiling over as The Premier League awaited its latest superstar.
Memphis’ days as a Manchester United player have so far only provided a taste of the talent that he possesses, with a stunning brace in the Champion’s League being the main highlight. Domestic performances though have largely lacked the impact that many had expected to see. Most would accept that a young player adapting to a new league, new country and new teammates, is rarely going to hit their peak from day one.
Memphis isn’t most people though. This is a player that personally requested the famed #7 shirt upon his arrival at United, a player that once didn’t celebrate a PSV win due to a missed chance, despite scoring in the same game. Perhaps the Ronaldo comparisons are more relevant than once thought? Louis Van Gaal stated that Memphis was ‘too eager’ following his league debut against Spurs, a trait that has also been evident in other matches. More so than any other factor, maybe Memphis’ personal desire to be the best is the most substantial weight on his young shoulders.
The emergence of Anthony Martial as United’s ‘saviour’ and marquee attraction has been sudden, and unless his performances deteriorate dramatically it’s only likely to snowball. Tabloid focus, pre and post-match analysis, it has recently only cared for the Frenchman. This now allows Memphis some room to breathe and momentarily removes him from the cross hairs at Old Trafford.
Memphis himself will never admit it due to his youthful arrogance but the chance to play football without the extra scrutiny could benefit him greatly. Memphis’ arrived not only with the burden of a sizeable price tag but also the expectation of thousands of United fans, which can often translate itself onto the Old Trafford turf. Since Sir Alex’s departure in 2013 there have been very few reasons to be optimistic and the collective fuse amongst fans has certainly become shorter. The recent Angel di Maria signing was met with understandable frenzy and expectation, but despite the Argentine’s undoubted talent he wasn’t able to live up to his superstar billing. This is a man whose achievements and price tag eclipse that of Memphis Depay. A player boasting multiple league titles and a Champions League medal. Nobody is immune from the weight of heavy expectation.
Exactly what Manchester United can achieve this season varies greatly depending on who you’re listening to. Louis van Gaal has invested massively since taking over at Old Trafford and serious questions will be asked of him if United fail to improve on previous campaigns, regardless of his notable CV. Memphis will understandably be afforded more time than his boss before any questions are asked of him, and he is far from a player that will shy away from such questioning. After all, this is a man who Ronald Koeman said ‘walks around like he has won 10 European Cups’, he certainly isn’t known for his modesty.
If United do manage to mount a serious title challenge this year then there’s no doubt that Memphis Depay’s input will be paramount. Whilst the attention and hysteria surrounds Martial we may finally get to see the undoubted ability that Memphis has, and that could be ominous for United’s title rivals.
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