Manchester United winger Memphis Depay has dismissed claims that Red Devils’ assistant manager Ryan Giggs confronted him about his lifestyle
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The Netherlands international has shown glimpses of his best for Manchester United, but has struggled to really make an impact in his time at Old Trafford thus far. However, the 21-year-old was quick to dismiss claims about a ‘dressing down’ that he was supposedly given by Ryan Giggs regarding his lifestyle.
Depay insisted that he had been out only once since arriving in England, and that he enjoyed fashion, which he sees as a means of expressing his personality. Speaking to Dutch media outlet Algemeen Dagblad (via ESPN FC), Depay said: “The funny thing is, since I came to England, I’ve only been out one time. One time!
“But recently I read that Ryan Giggs has accosted me about my reputation as a ‘party-boy’ and stuff. It’s total nonsense! Completely made up!”
Regarding his occasional ‘party-boy’ appearance, the 21-year-old added: “Often I think: ‘Just let me do this. Let me wear the clothes I want to wear.’ Why is everyone making such a big deal out of that? What is this all about? Just let me. I’m also just a 21-year-old boy.
“Why should I adjust? Some people collect stamps; I like fashion, discovering nice new things. I feel good about doing that. If I were to put on what you wanted me to put on, I wouldn’t be myself anymore.”
Memphis needs more time to adjust to the Premier League
Since making his move to England after a fantastic season with PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie, Depay has struggled to put in consistently good performances for Louis van Gaal, even being dropped to the bench from time to time by his former national team manager.
There is no doubt that the 21-year-old has talent, but it is evident that he needs more time to adjust to the exacting standards of the English Premier League — both in terms of its physicality, as well as in terms of dealing with the expectations that are part and parcel of playing for a club the size of Manchester United.