Last summer Manchester United fans had to wait patiently for the new signings to arrive at the Carrington training base for medical. But, this year though they need not have to wait any longer, infact the fans are in for a big treat even before the summer window opened.
Both PSV and United have confirmed the transfer of Memphis Depay to the latter. Presuming nothing goes wrong in the medical, it is safe to assume Depay will be a United player once the window opens. As per earlier reports, Louis Van Gaal has allegedly asked to sign new players even before the club goes to America for the pre-season tour, so that the Dutchman can install his mysterious philosophy on the players mind.
And, Ed Woodward, the club’s executive vice-chairman has granted the managers wish by signing one of their prime targets as early as possible. With PSV confirming a while ago that the player will be leaving this summer, Red Devils moved in quickly to avoid a bidding war. But, what can Depay offer which other United wingers cannot?
The answer is simple, the Dutch winger can provide goals on consistent basis. Ever since, Cristiano Ronaldo left for Real Madrid, Manchester United have struggled to find goals from midfield, in particular from the wingers. This season alone, all four United wingers – Angel Di Maria, Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia and Adnan Januzaj – have so far managed to score just the six goals between them in all competitions.
Di Maria has scored four (three in league and the other in FA cup), Young has scored twice (both in league), while the other two Valencia and Januzaj have not found the back of the net even once this campaign.
On the other hand though, Memphis Depay has topped the goal scoring charts in the Dutch league by scoring 21 times this campaign. He added three more in the Europa League to take his tally to 24 for the season. Also in last year’s World Cup, Depay scored twice including the winner in the game against Australia.
Ever since Ronlado’s departure, Manchester United have been heavily relying on the strikers to score the goals. So when the frontmen experience a bad season like this season or last, the entire club struggles to find the goals. Thus it was imperative for the Reds to sign players in other positions who can score goals.
The signing of Juan Mata has helped a lot in that aspect as the Spaniard has grabbed 15 goals for United since his move from Chelsea in January 2014. Although the goal scoring problem in wide positions was never solved despite the British record capture of Angel Di Maria last summer.
Hence, Van Gaal will be hoping that the young Dutch winger can provide him with much needed goals, which his other wingers are currently unable to produce. The statistics are in his favour too. Hence, fans may finally hope that Depay may solve the void left by the three time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
Image Courtesy: BBC and ESPN
