Memphis Depay does not have too many moments to look back on with pride when running the rule over his rather underwhelming Manchester United career.
That super solo goal against Club Brugge in UEFA Champions League qualifying, shortly after sealing a £25 million move from PSV Eindhoven. That dazzling display against FC Midtjylland which had right-back Andre Romer on the verge of tears.
Two years in the Premier League, 33 appearances, and only two goals.
But could Memphis Depay’s biggest contribution to the Manchester United cause come during the summer of 2024, nearly a decade after he arrived at Old Trafford in the first place?
Maybe so, if reports from Italy are to be be believed.
Manchester United hope to win Joshua Zirkzee race
The always-reliable Gianluca di Marzio gave his view on the Joshua Zirkzee situation this week. With talks over a move to AC Milan stalling thanks to the involvement of agent Kia Joorabchian, Man United appear to have stolen a march on the Rossoneri as they look to make the elegant Dutchman their first signing of the Ineos era.
Now, Milan are not out of the picture just yet. Far from it. But with Di Marzio reporting that the seven-time European champions are shifting their focus to alternative attacking targets, it appears that confidence is dwindling at the San Siro.
Di Marzio says that Milan like Artem Dovbyk, the Girona powerhouse and La Liga’s Golden Boot winner. There is interest in Augsburg talisman Ermedin Demirovic. Memphis Depay too, the 30-year-old now a free-agent after his contract with Atletico Madrid expired at the end of last season.
Depay, while seven years Zirkzee’s senior (less of a short-term solution and more of a quick fix) possesses many of the attributes that has made his fellow Dutchman one of Europe’s most coveted young forwards. Depay is a highly intelligent, highly technical footballer. Not quite a number nine, not quite a number ten but something in the middle.
AC Milan now turning to Memphis Depay
Milan want a centre-forward capable of providing a link between midfield and attack; opening up spaces for jet-heeled widemen Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao. Hence why Zirkzee is their top target. And hence why Memphis Depay is emerging as a leading alternative.
Zirkzee is not the most prolific centre-forward in world football. He scored only 12 times for Bologna in 2023/24, and maybe does not possess the same penalty-area instincts as Rasmus Hojlund. But there is a feeling that Erik ten Hag’s system would be much improved by the inclusion of an unselfish, almost Dimitar Berbatov-esque, roving playmaker type through the middle.
One who’s effortless link play and clever movement could bring out the best in Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes, almost like Anthony Martial in his pre-injury prime.
Furthermore, with a £34 million release clause in his contract, 23-year-old Zirkzee is available for far less than some of the other centre-forwards on Man United’s radar, such as Ivan Toney and Viktor Gyokeres.