Arjen Robben is optimistic that his Dutch compatriot Memphis Depay will recover from his struggles and become the footballer he was known to be prior to his Manchester United switch.
According to Niklas Konig of Goal, Bayern Munich attacker has stated that he expects Manchester United outcast Memphis Depay to seal a move away from the club in order to prove his talent and challenge at the top level for his new side.
“He is a very talented player,” said Robben. “It’s a pity it didn’t work at Manchester until now. He’s playing very few matches. I’m expecting something to happen next time, maybe he will make a move in the winter break.”
Memphis moved to Manchester United last summer for a commendable fee of £20 million plus add-ons. There was a growing buzz about the player as he impressed during his stint at PSV and was expected to be United’s wing wizard for the next few seasons.
Then Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal had fruitful experiences working with Depay on the international circuit, and expected him to replicate his form in England’s top-flight as well. The up and coming Dutchman was handed the prestigious number 7 jersey and there was an added optimism among the Old Trafford faithful.
However, as most of the number 7s that succeeded Cristiano Ronaldo have, Depay too failed to live up to the grandeur. He was handed starts initially by van Gaal, but was relegated to the bench as his performances were not up to the mark.
He was criticised for being overly selfish and struggled to fit into the manager’s philosophies at the club. Even this season, under Jose Mourinho, Depay has craved for regular playing minutes and is yet to start in a game for the Red Devils.
The former PSV star has made two Europa League appearances off the bench for Mourinho’s side, but has failed to have a great impact for the team. In the Premier League, Depay has been handed only twenty minutes of play (via WhoScored) over four cameo appearances.
With him clearly running out of favour with the man at the helm, Depay is forcing a move away from the club in January. Everton are understood to be among the front-runners, and may snap him up once the window opens in the new year.
