Manchester United are preparing for another overhaul of the squad this summer following a disappointing campaign that has been affected by long-term injuries to key players.
Dutch international Memphis Depay is reportedly among the players that could leave Old Trafford in the summer. The 22-year-old was brought to Manchester United by Van Gaal just last season for an estimated fee of 25 million pounds.
Fresh off a title-winning season for Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven — for whom he was also the top scorer — the youngster arrived at Manchester United to much fanfare. However, Depay has been unable to replicate last season’s form in 2015-16, scoring just 7 goals in 39 appearances thus far after a remarkable 28 goals in 40 appearances last season for PSV.
According to the Sun, the Red Devils’ management have lost faith in Depay and are looking to cut their losses. The Dutchman, along with a host of other under-performers, could be the latest high-profile Manchester United sale, with the English giants cashing in on Angel Di Maria and Javier Hernandez over the past year.
The report indicates that Morgan Schneiderlin too could face the axe this summer, along with defenders Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo.
Van Gaal’s process continues
Apart from Jones, all the players mentioned in the Sun’s exclusive report have been brought in by current manager Louis van Gaal. Their acquisition was ostensibly part of the Dutch manager’s ‘process’ — one that has seen no significant additions to the trophy room at Old Trafford despite two squad overhauls and over 250 million pounds spent in the transfer market.
While the future of Van Gaal himself is uncertain, it could also be inextricably linked with the players he has brought to the club. If the Dutchman is shown the door next season, a number of his star signings could follow him out of the club. On the other hand, if Van Gaal is given another year to see out his contract, then these players too will be given another season to prove themselves.
Morgan Schneiderlin has been impressive for the Red Devils as a defensive midfielder, but other signings like Depay, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Rojo have underperformed and will need to play well on a regular basis to justify their inclusion in the team.
