Manchester United appointed Louis van Gaal as their manager after the board sacked “The Chosen One,” David Moyes. Manchester United expected their new manager in van Gaal to change the fortunes of the club within a brief time. More than his performances, it was signings like Memphis Depay which made the sound for the wrong reasons at Stretford End.
? "I'm furious. I was furious when David Moyes was sacked when the news broke a day before. I was furious when Louis van Gaal was sacked on the evening of a cup final and finding out from other people.”
– Gary Neville on José Mourinho and Manchester United ? pic.twitter.com/Qu6esWLma2
— Football Tweet (@Football__Tweet) October 5, 2018
However, the Dutch international’s managerial career at Old Trafford had mixed reactions. During his tenure, Louis van Gaal bagged mixed results with a success rate of 52.43%. Louis van Gaal managed the Red Devils 103 times in which the club won 54 times and lost 24 times. He also led the team to FA Cup glory in his second season at Stretford End.
Though the time at Old Trafford might not be memorable for LVG for the right reasons, he will be known for his touchline antics and drunken speech at the “End of Season” awards. Moreover, the signings made by Louis van Gaal were far from best.
Memphis Depay and his Manchester United Conundrum
Depay’s Start to Life in Manchester
Among his signings at Old Trafford, Angel di Maria and Memphis Depay failed to live up to the expectations of the fans. Despite starting his season on grand terms, Angel di Maria wasn’t the same player after he returned from injury in 2015.
On the other hand, Memphis Depay faded away after solid initial games for Manchester United. However, Depay is back on fire with Ligue 1 outfit, Lyon, and has astonished the Old Trafford faithful.
Memphis Depay arrived in the Premier League with huge expectations and a good reputation. Louis van Gaal and Ed Woodward handed the famous number 7 jersey to Depay as he was considered one of the most exciting young prospects in Europe.
In his first season at Old Trafford, the £25-million signing flattered to deceive and managed just seven goals and nine assists in all competitions for Manchester United.
With van Gaal Gone, Depay Suffers
As there was discontent with Louis van Gaal in the dressing room, Manchester United parted their ways with Dutchman at the end of the 2015/16 season. Ed Woodward signed former Real Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho as their gaffer for the 16/17 season.
Under Jose Mourinho, Memphis Depay’s playing time got reduced to a great extent. Under the Portuguese, the player managed just eight outings. The club shipped off the Netherland international to the French club, Lyon, in the winter transfer window of 2017.
Depay’s French Redemption
The Dutch international did not waste a single minute in France and tried to make up for the loss. In 18 games for Les Gones in the second half of the season, Depay scored five times and was indirectly involved in eight goals.
In the 2017/18 season, Memphis Depay came back strongly. The player scored 22 times and provided 17 assists in 51 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit across all the competitions. He had 19 goals and 13 assists to his name in 36 Ligue 1 appearances.
Memphis Depay has returned to Lyon training after a serious knee injury, which kept him out for six months.
The Dutch international tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, in a Ligue 1 clash against Rennes on December 15, 2019. pic.twitter.com/xBVvGftef5
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) June 8, 2020
Despite the decline in the form, the Dutch skipper could score 12 goals and 16 assists in 47 games for Lyon across all the competitions in 2018/19. Moreover, the player started having an eye-catching season with the French outfit in 2019/20 until the ACL rupture ruled him out. In 13 league games, Depay had nine goals and two assists to his name. He also had five goals in as many matches for Lyon in Champions League 2019/20.
Are Manchester United Regretting their Decision to Sell Him?
Manchester United sold Memphis Depay for a paltry sum of £16-million pounds, resulting in a 36% loss. Since his move to France, Depay has reinvented himself and saw his stocks rise. With his performances at Lyon, Memphis is the captain of Les Gones and a vital member of the Dutch national team.
? Lyon's Director of Football has confirmed that Manchester United have 'priority' on Memphis Depay should they receive offers for the player.
? Would you want to see Memphis back in Red?#MUFC pic.twitter.com/1YtuhKSLdU
— Full Time DEVILS (@FullTimeDEVILS) November 12, 2019
Memphis Depay at Manchester United ??
Should we have kept him? pic.twitter.com/Kycue0JJSR
— ?? ‘ (@LzzDayan) May 23, 2020
The transfer market values player at £40-million and elite European clubs are hovering around to sign the 26-year-old. However, Manchester United made a shrewd move of inserting a buy-back clause in the deal, which gives Manchester United preference over others.
With Manchester United struggling without quality wingers, should they go for their former player?
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