The Louis van Gaal era at Manchester United was both positive and negative for Memphis Depay.
It was the Dutch manager who had shown so much faith in Depay by taking him to the 2014 World Cup and giving him a chance on the very biggest stage. That helped Depay showcase his talents to a wider audience and inevitably brought interest from several clubs.
Deciding to continue for a further year at PSV, and winning the Eredivisie title, Depay was then presented with the chance to sign for Manchester United and reunite with Van Gaal, who was set for his second season in charge after doing an acceptable job in his first.
Around the time of the transfer, Van Gaal was described in the Netherlands as something of a father figure for the young footballer, so it all fit nicely together.
However, Depay didn’t have the impact expected during his first season with Manchester United. Starting 25 matches and making 17 substitute appearances, Depay managed 5 goals and a single assist.
His last goals for Manchester United were one each home and away against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League, before that Depay’s last goal for the club came in November against Watford.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf report on Wednesday that Depay was eager to leave last season behind him.
De Telegraaf explain: ‘He weighs his words carefully. Especially when the final months of last season and Louis van Gaal – who took him to Manchester last year – are discussed.
Under the Dutch coach, he lost his place. For the FA Cup final victory against Crystal Palace, Depay was not part of the game.’
The Manchester United player is then quoted as saying: “In the summer I turned the knob. Control-Alt-Delete.”
It hasn’t worked for Depay just yet, although the Netherlands chance will be a boost. So far under Jose Mourinho, the 22 year old has started one match, against Northampton Town in the EFL Cup, and made four further substitute appearances.
That has made it hard for Netherlands manager Danny Blind to see how Depay is doing, but the player himself certainly sounds like he’s ready to shine for the national team: “The coach is not going to go to Manchester to see how I train. And I do not play much, so he does not know how I’m going.
“You know, I’m comfortable in my skin. But I have to play. Now people do not see me, they might think I’m out of practice. That is not true. I am confident that it will be fine. That’s good for my career, but also for Oranje. I am worthy of the Dutch team. I believe I can make my contribution here.”
Depay will hope he’s not again pressing Control-Alt-Delete after the international break. The Dutch media will be watching him like a hawk, ready with negative stories if the chance presents itself.
Right now, Depay needs to get on a football pitch and show the form that impressed former manager Louis van Gaal in the first place.
