The 22-year-old attacking midfielder was touted as one of the best buys of the season when he joined Manchester United in the summer of 2015, but has had a very underwhelming debut season at Old Trafford.
Memphis Depay started the season as a regular first team member, but poor performances and a failure to find the back of the net on a regular basis have forced him into the background. This was not what was expected of the Dutchman and he knows that it’s time to step up.
“No. Not yet. I know that. I will continue to fight for it,” Depay said of living up to expectations at Old Trafford, according to fourfourtwo.com.
“I have a lot of expectations on myself. That’s important. The club is busy and I am busy to improve it.”
Depay also said that he looked to the assistant coach and Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs for guidance. He said, “He talks a lot with me. He gives me advice. He experienced everything already so he can help me with those kind of things. I don’t want to go into details but he works a lot with me.
“Wayne Rooney gives me a lot of things to think about. They really inspire me because that’s two legends that talk with you and give you advice.”
Unlucky number 7
The young Dutchman made waves when he was signed from PSV Eindhoven for 25 million pounds in the summer. He was immediately give the number 7 shirt which was worn by the likes of Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Depay had scored 22 goals in 30 league appearances for PSV last season, which added to the hype, but has only scored two in twenty for Manchester United. The Red Devils’ long wait for the heir to Ronaldo’s number 7 shirt will continue if the Dutch winger continues to underperform in the same vein.
Depay didn’t get off to a great start, but things really hit breaking point after he was dropped from the starting XI by the manager after a bad performance against Arsenal in October. Louis van Gaal has since preferred fielding Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial in his stead.
