Why Memphis Depay and Manchester United Must Part Ways

Despite scoring a brace against Luxembourg, the winger’s Manchester United career remains in limbo.

The weight of a shirt can destroy a man. The iconic No 7 at Manchester United has been donned by George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo of course. Memphis Depay wanted this after his move to the Premier League club. Now the famous No. 7 jersey is rarely seen by the United faithful.

Memphis Depay was touted as the next big thing to come from the Netherlands — a country that have produced so many iconic players. At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the winger was one of the stars in the Dutch team that made it to the semifinals. He went on to have a stellar season with PSV Eindhoven. Depay plundered 22 goals to take the Golden Boot and PSV to the Eredivise title. Louis van Gaal swooped and took his countryman to Manchester United. Much was expected. But it was not to be. From being the golden boy, Depay was left out of the FA Cup final squad by very manager who signed him. Louis van Gaal departed, José Mourinho stepped in and Memphis Depay moved further away from the team.

Depay has been marginalized since Mourinho took over. The £25 million star has played less than 20 minutes of league football for the club this season. He appearances have been largely limited to cup competitions. His only start was in the EFL tie against Northampton where José hauled him off after half time. Depay was entirely left out of the traveling squad against Fenerbahçe. Its not a sign of how much he has fallen behind. Its Mourinho’s way of saying ‘you will never make it with me’.

In the International break, Depay scored a brace in the World Cup qualifier against lowly Luxembourg. It was his first goal in any competitive match since February.

I’m going to fight my utmost to make sure I can get back in contention. I’m going back to United with a good feeling, because I have got minutes here and we won. That is the most important thing — Depay

Will it change Mourinho’s mind? I doubt it. There are two reasons for that;

1. Mourinho is under pressure to deliver. Immediate results are the order of the day. The Portuguese can’t afford to give minutes to a player who lacks form and confidence.
2. Depay’s attributes doesn’t bode well with Jose’s style of play. And I have never seen a defensive side to the Dutch attacker.

Depay is a good player. I just don't think he is great. I haven't seen anything of that kind. Of course my knowledge is limited to his performance since moving to England. But what I know is that he needs to play. Depay needs minutes on the pitch. At 22, he just can’t afford to warm the bench or his couch at home for that reason. He has lost all the momentum and his career appears to have stalled. Its not good for his international career as well. For Depay and United, it would be best to work out a January loan. Despite his nightmare at United, there will be interest in the player. Everton and Ronald Koeman have already put their hands up. So will a host of mid-table teams. I suppose there will be foreign interest too. But for Depay it would be best to stay in England and ply his trade.

Any club he choose would be a significant step down from Manchester United. But its for the best.

1. At 22, his career appears to have stalled. His play looks off. His confidence has been clipped. He won’t regain them unless he starts playing again. Leaving United in January on loan gives him a life line to resurrect his career.
2. Time away from United is time away from the spot light. Depay will be on the pitch without a load of pressure — perhaps for the first time since his move to England.
3. Its a good feeling to play for a manager who genuinely wants you. That will shoot up his confidence.
4. Depay is a natural attacking talent. He needs to play for a team or a manager who likes front footed play.
5. More than a chance to prove his critics and manager wrong, its a chance for Depay to prove himself that he is good.
6. United would be gaining a significant cut of its outlay.

Even if he impresses in a short loan spell, I don’t see Mourinho making a change in his stance towards the Dutchman. True, Depay hasn't justified the hype and price he came with. At the same time, we have to acknowledge that he played under two defensive minded managers. That and the pressure of a poor first season has halted his natural attacking ability and more importantly dented his confidence. Its clear that if he wants to resurrect his career, he should play elsewhere.

Perhaps Ronald Koeman can bring about a revival. The good thing for Depay is that time is still on his side to make a come back with a top European team. The first step to achieve that is by start playing. And that wont happen under José Mourinho