Shortly after Memphis Depay moved to Manchester United, he received much criticism in the Netherlands media for, as they saw it, letting it all go to his head. Literally.
Wearing a hat to join up with the Netherlands squad in November, the Dutch media almost choked on their words as they rushed to get as much criticism out as quickly as possible.
The hat wearing nuisance had to defend himself: “Yes, it’s a hat. Is it flamboyant? It’s just a hat, I find it nice.”
The month after the hat had hit the fan, Depay and Robin van Persie had an altercation during Netherlands training. Whilst Van Persie generally got the blame from the Dutch media, even though Depay wasn’t held in high regard, the alleged words of the Manchester United player were perhaps telling.
After a disagreement over a pass, Van Persie was said to have asked Depay if he thought he was a ‘big boy’, to which Depay replied with a question ‘Do big boys play for Fenerbahce?’.
Ouch.
In an interview with MetroNieuws, Depay has denied he is, or was, simply content to sign for Manchester United. There’s no feeling from Depay that he’s made it, and to be frank if there was then the criticism over the past year should have dispelled that notion completely.
Asked if he thought expectations being lower now would help, the footballer disagreed: “Personally, I don’t feel so. I am the same person and I know what I want. A supporting role is not for me. I’m not a player who is happy with the fact that he is under contract with Manchester United. This is my dream club, but I want to play.”
Sometimes Depay hasn’t even made Manchester United squads, and that’s got to sting for a player keen to make a big impact: “That’s difficult. I feel like a loaded gun. I’m ready to play, but to wait for my chance. That’s why I’m so happy that I’m with the Oranje. This is a new opportunity to show myself.”
The Manchester United footballer revealed he’s been speaking to Paul Pogba, but not to cry on his shoulder: “Paul and I have known each other for a while. But it is a man’s sport, it’s not as if I need to be comforted. I am still convinced of my abilities.”
That’s crucial if the 22 year old is going to rekindle his Eredivisie form, now he needs to convince everyone else.
