Manchester United winger Memphis Depay is reportedly a surprise target for La Liga champions FC Barcelona.
Memphis Depay joined the Red Devils in a £25m from Eredivisie club PSV Eindhoven and was handed the legendary number 7 jersey at Manchester United. Fans were delighted with the signing of the Dutch sensation and were hoping for great performances from their latest number 7.
Memphis was tipped for greatness under former United boss Louis Van Gaal, but everything that could go wrong for the Dutch winger, went wrong. Depay scored just 2 goals in 29 league appearances for the Old Trafford outfit with most of appearances coming as a substitute. The 22-year-old was criticised for his lethargic attitude and was consistently singled out for a lack of work ethic.
The fact that the winger failed to emulate his Eredivisie form contributed heavily in making his other shortcomings more visible. The lack of work ethic wasn’t a problem earlier for Manchester United with the Red Devils having similar experience with Dimitar Berbatov. However with Jose Mourinho at the helm known to be a stickler for a hard-pressing game, Depay’s future at Old Trafford seems to be in doubt.
The 22-year-old was earlier linked with a move to Italy as Juventus appeared interested in the United winger. Fresh reports from Spanish publication Don Balon have stated that Barcelona have emerged as a possible destination for the player. The report states The Blaugranes‘ talks with Atletico Madrid have stalled over the possible transfer of Luciano Vietto and that the Catalan side are looking to Depay as a possible alternative.
Don Balon further state that United are most likely to want to see a return of at least their £25m investment in the Dutch winger. The talent in Depay is undoubtedly there for all to see and Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is reportedly willing to take a chance on the 22-year-old. Juventus have been reported to be interested too and it will be interesting to see where Memphis ends up playing his football in the coming season.
It may well be Old Trafford if the winger is able to convince Mourinho of his willingness to adapt and work harder. For now though, his future is up in the air along with several others as Jose looks to stamp his authority at United.
