Memphis Depay started life brightly at Manchester United following his £25 million move from PSV Eindhoven during the summer, but his recent struggles are reminiscent of another highly regarded Red Devils talent, Ravel Morrison.
The Dutch striker, admittedly, had a storied history, and has courted controversy in the past, but a superb showing against Club Brugge in the Champions League play off, and encouraging outings against Newcastle United and his former club aside, the high-profile talent has failed to demonstrate that he represents money well spent.
The 21-year-old appears to have lost his way in recent weeks, and he has recently been dropped by United. The Netherlands international flopped in the 3-0 hammering at the hands of Arsenal, and has been overlooked for subsequent matches against Manchester City, Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace.
Even considering the Red Devils’ goal drought, LVG simply retains no trust in Memphis anymore.
Dutch coach Danny Blind—who has also dropped the underperforming forward—had this to say about the decision.
“In football you must function in a team,” the national team manager said. “He doesn’t always do that.”
Memphis’s malaise is somewhat reminiscent of another United talent, Ravel Morrison.
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While no one doubted the young Englishman’s talent—his dazzling ball control, vision and speed—he was deemed more trouble than he was worth by United, who ultimately opted to cast the youngster away….a remarkable decision considering his limitless potential. He currently plays for Lazio in Serie A.
Will £25 million Memphis prove—like Ravel—too much of a headache, or can the attacker overcome his recent problems to re-establish himself at Old Trafford?