Rio Ferdinand has given his thoughts on why Memphis Depay wasn’t able to succeed in his time with Manchester United.
During his 18-month spell at Old Trafford we never really got to see the very best of the Dutchman. After joining in June 2015, Depay went through long spells of inconsistency before eventually leaving in January 2017 for pastures new with Lyon.
Too much, too soon?
Ever since then, the 27-year-old has been able to establish himself as one of the most exciting forces in French football with his potential finally being showcased on a week-to-week basis in Ligue 1.
Following the Netherlands’ win over Austria last night, in which Depay scored the opener from the spot, former United defender Rio Ferdinand gave his own opinion on what went wrong for Memphis with the Red Devils.
“I think it comes down to numerous things,” Ferdinand explained.
“Timing, the right time and right place, and maturity, he may have gone there too young.
“And coaching, the right coaching at the right time.”
Depay himself has previously touched on the issues he encountered in England in his book.
“At United I got confused. I had to follow the tactical orders of Van Gaal, otherwise I would certainly lose my spot in the team. Van Gaal doesn’t like players who don’t follow up on his comments.
“Meanwhile I knew I couldn’t get the best out of my play this way: staying on the left side of the field, running back and forth.
“I didn’t understand: you buy me because of my specific qualities you saw at PSV and the Dutch national team. After that you put me in a role where I can’t play that way anymore. For me that was confusing.”
Depay will hope to help the Dutch make it three wins from three in their Euro 2020 group stage campaign when they play North Macedonia on Monday.
Featured image credit: Getty
