Memphis Depay never reached anywhere near his full potential at Manchester United.
When van Gaal signed the Dutchman from PSV Eindhoven back in 2015, there were comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo and he was expected to fix Manchester United’s, then, current crisis infront of goal.
Despite signs of brilliance in United’s 3-1 Champions League win against Club Brugge, where Depay scored two superb goals, Memphis flopped from then on and finished his United career having just scored eight goals (two in the Premier League) in his two-year stint at Old Trafford.
Speaking about his miserable time in England, Depay told Canal+
I know how it works in football, I’m the one who gets all the punches. ‘Memphis is crazy’, ‘Memphis does this…’ I cannot be anyone else but Memphis. I tried that, and I was not happy with myself. Back in Manchester, I was not happy with myself. “How can I be a great football player when you’re not happy with yourself? I looked in the mirror and I was not happy, I was sad. Now I’m happy to be myself.”
Now a vital part of Lyon’s squad, Memphis has flourished this season and has showcased his ability, scored 13 goals, including the late winner in Lyon’s previous match away to Marseille.
The 24-year-old has also assisted nie goals this season. These statistics say a lot about how the player’s game has matured and developed; he was subject to many critics deeming him selfish.
Memphis has always been a confident player, and even said last year that he will play for Real Madrid one day, which made it surprising that he wasn’t able to overcome the criticism at United, but Lyon are going to finish in a Champions League position this season, and Depay will be hoping to make his name famous around Europe again then.
