Should Manchester United Re-Sign Memphis Depay From FC Barcelona?

Manchester United might be predominantly focussed on securing the services of Brazil international Antony from AFC Ajax, but are starting to look further afield in making sure others are lined up after him.

Erik Ten Hag has wanted a second-choice goalkeeper to challenge the position of David de Gea all summer, but it has yet to happen. After the failings of trying to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s Kevin Trapp, the Red Devils are now pursuing Martin Dubravka, who has lost his starting place to Nick Pope at Newcastle United.

Alongisde a goalkeeper, Manchester United are in the hunt for two more forward players, which would enable the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. The club are reluctant to let the Portugal international leave without adequate reinforcement, which is why it is likely to go down to the wire.

Ten Hag is pushing the board to make the arrival of Antony come to fruition, with the club extending their offer to reach €94 million with bonuses included. An extortionate fee, but Manchester United do not have the privlege to play coy in negotiations and Ajax know they are desperate.

The signing of Antony would be, on balance, a very astute one, given they are clearly missing a left-footed right winger who can cut inside or take on the opposite man on the outside. At times, Manchester United’s attacks have been very predictable on the right-hand side due to this.

If Ronaldo is to leave the club in the dying embers of the transfer window, Ten Hag will demand a replacement who can comfortably play through the middle. That is where the potential return of Memphis has stemmed from.

For reasons belonging to youth and inexperience, Memphis’ first time out at Manchester United ended in misrey. The bright prospect coming from the Eredivisie failed to reach the heights previously shown and he struggled. Some said it was down the mentality, others said he failed to adjust to English football and lost confidence. The truth, at the time, was somewhere in the middle.

Since leaving Manchester United and joining Olympique Lyon and consequently FC Barcelona, Memphis has grown into the player he is today. An energetic spark at the tip of the attack, his combination play is strong and suits a fluid system across the frontline.

With the arrival of Robert Lewandowski, coupled up with Barcelona’s financial woes, it makes sense as to why they want Memphis off the books. The Red Devils must ensure, if they are to push forward with this transfer, that the Dutch international is coming for the right reasons and not just financially incentivised to do so.

Ten Hag is trying to change the culture inside the dressing room bit-by-bit which would be stunted should egos get out of control. The former Ajax boss will know Memphis and have green lit the transfer himself should it go ahead – which should fill Man United fans with confidence.

Surprises can come from anywhere in the space of five days when the transfer window winds down, but Memphis returning to Manchester United would certainly be up there.