Manchester United have now ignited their interest in Barcelona’s Memphis Depay as ‘Plan B’, reports Samuel Luckhurst. This is coming after Ajax turned down their latest bid for Antony after agreeing personal terms with the Brazilian and the possibility of the signing diminishes as the days go by.
Manchester United Considering Memphis Depay as an Alternative to Antony
The hurdles in the Antony signing keep increasing and United, whilst still resolute, may be forced to look at other options before deadline day.
There are no negotiations ongoing between Memphis Depay and Real Sociedad despite rumours, as things stand. Memphis situation remains open. 🇳🇱 #FCB
He’s included in Manchester United list but nothing advanced/concrete yet. Antony, priority – and it could also depend on Ronaldo. pic.twitter.com/FjFEgep79n
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 27, 2022
Depay is looking to leave Barcelona this summer. The Catalan club had strengthened their forward line with deals for Lewandowski and Raphinha. This also coupled with the renewal of the resurgent Dembélé.
The Dutchman now realizes that chances will be very slim this season and is increasingly looking for a move. This is coming after his deal with Juventus collapsed at the end due to his astronomical wage demands.
The Old Lady have since signed Arkadiusz Milik and another swoop for Depay is considered wide of the mark The player understands he is no longer considered a key player and the Manchester United opportunity is one he will clutch at.
A Possible Return for Memphis Depay
Depay is not a new face at Old Trafford as the 28-year-old endured a torrid spell at Old Trafford in 2015 after sealing his big money move from PSV Eindhoven.
Depay joined the Red Devils in a £31 million deal from the Netherlands but spent just one full season in Manchester, before going on loan to Lyon. With his meagre return of seven goals in 53 appearances, the player failed to live up to the wild expectations of the United faithful.
Depay’s Unfinished Business at Old Trafford
Memphis Depay’s move to Lyon helped him rejuvenate his career. The Dutchman had 132 goal contributions in 178 appearances in France.
Memphis also became one of the key players in the Dutch national team and coach Ronald Koeman described him as “a joy to watch.”
This helped him seal a dream move to Barcelona in the summer of 2021. He has clearly matured as a player and is no longer the erratic forward he was at Manchester United.
