Memphis Depay explains why he failed to make it at Manchester United

Ah, I remember the summer of 2014 fondly. Manchester United had just hired Louis van Gaal. The Iron Tulip brought Memphis Depay with him. Both were brilliant at a memorable World Cup, the Reds were on the rise again, or so we thought…

From day dot, Depay struggled to assert himself at Old Trafford. It always felt like he looked a little lost and confused, while on the whole, trying too hard.

After that stunning season in PSV Eindhoven, his move to Manchester was more than justified. Sadly, it didn’t work out and his time in the famous Red jersey was cut short.

Nowadays, he’s loving life in Ligue 1 with a Lyon team that play some brilliant football. Perhaps that career move has kick-started his career. Maybe he’s ready to make that step up once more.

Anyway, a few years after leaving United, Depay has finally spoken out about just how bad things got. I guess, after all, even footballers are humans. It’s sad that he lost himself here in the North West – but it’s brilliant seeing him succeed once again.


I lost myself in Manchester. It took me a few years to realise that. During my time in Manchester I blamed everybody: Van Gaal, Mourinho, I felt like the whole world was against me. But I didn’t blame myself. That’s not how it works in life.” Depay writes in his book, transcribed by the Manchester Evening News.

”Now I know what the real problem was: not only I lost myself, I also neglected my belief in God. That was the real reason why I felt so alone in Manchester. You won’t make it when you have to deal with your problems on your own.”

“My performances at United were not even close to what I am capable of. I was looking for excuses to justify the failure. I hid myself behind the fact that it was my first adventure abroad, that I had to adapt to the high level of the Premier League.”

It feels as though we signed Depay as a teenager, who was somewhat naive and taking things all to lackadaisical. These are grown men quotes. He’s now taking responsibility and you know what? Good on him.

Depay has been tearing up French football over the last year or so and it’s great to see him playing with confidence and self-belief once again. There’s nothing like looking in the mirror and telling yourself to shape up, and I guess that’s all it took for the Dutchman to rediscover his brilliant best.

What’s interesting to me is that United do have a buyback clause within Memphis’ current Lyon contract. Whether they should exercise that option is another matter entirely. This club does need some firepower up front, though, but that’s all I will say…

What do you reckon, does he deserve another shot?

About Jordan Street 18924 Articles
Mancunian. Red through and through. Season Ticket holder block E332.

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