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Memphis Depay was quite a livewire at PSV, scoring screamers for fun as he took his side to the Eredivisie title back in the 2014-15 season. Fast, strong and blessed with a thunderous right foot, he was just too hot to handle for the league that year.
Finishing as the top goal scorer of the league with 22, he seemed to be on his way to superstardom as he signed for Manchester United at the end of that season. But what happened next was something no one saw coming.
The 2015-16 season saw Depay don the iconic No. 7 kit at Old Trafford. But under Louis van Gaal, United were a different team.
Although most of the players who won the last league title under Ferguson were still at the club, an ageing squad and a lack of belief in the manager's philosophy saw the entire team suffer. Depay was no different.
The pressure on him to perform and the step up to the Premier League was just too much for then 20-year-old. The team huffed and puffed and could only manage a fifth place finish, and Depay failed to live up to the expectations of the fans and manager alike.
A move to Lyon followed as the club looked to cut their losses. That proved to be a blessing in disguise for the Dutch wizard.
Depay came to life in France as it looked like his shackles were finally off. He was given the freedom to cut in, drift out or drop deep to pick the ball up and transition it forward. He looked happy, and was enjoying his football; he was back to his deadly best.
Since leaving United, Depay has been involved in 55 goals for Lyon in the league alone. To put that into context, his tally is more than any Manchester United player has managed in the Premier League.
Why Depay should be brought back
Depay has a certain directness in his play that all current players at United lack. He loves running at players, and can get past them pretty easily. He also has a great eye for a pass and never shies away from a big occasion.
Currently playing as a striker in a two-man front line, Depay has the capability to pull defenders out of their position and create space for his teammates to run in. Beyond this, Depay has the ability to put in consistently accurate crosses that would help Romelu Lukaku get out of his slump as well.
A front two with Lukaku could be just what the big Belgian needs to reignite his career.
United need Depay because of the sheer number of goals he brings with him. The issue with the Reds at the moment is that they are just unable to create enough chances for their frontmen to finish.
That is why, Depay's variety of goals would be a huge boost to the side. An avid free-kick specialist, he would never shy away from taking a punt at goal even if it is from 40 yards out.
The thing with Depay is that he has that spark in him. He has the ability to create or score out of nothing.
Manchester United have been struggling against smaller sides who sit in a deep defensive block. Currently, they have only Juan Mata in their ranks who is an out-and-out creative player. But Depay is fearless and would take on defenders or do something to create a spark and inspire the others in the side.
Depay seems to have come out of his shell and become the player who everyone thought he would be when he was signed back in the day. The time is right to bring the boy-wonder back and give him another shot at establishing himself as a fan favorite.
