Memphis Depay: Why it never worked out for him at Manchester United

Memphis Depay has admitted his move to Manchester United came too early [Courtesy]

Memphis Depay has admitted his move to Manchester United came too early - and he is now a more matured footballer.

The Dutchman struggled with the Red Devils but has shown his class since joining Lyon in 2017.

He could only score two Premier League goals in 33 appearances for United but has 34 in 88 for Lyon.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a return to English football though clubs will have to break the bank to have him as Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas is a tough man to do business with.

“My mental state is different. I was 21 back then when I was with United and now I am 25 so obviously, I am a more matured human being now than when I was in Manchester,” Memphis told Mirror Sport.

“Also there is a difference between the French game and the English game and the main difference is the speed of the ball. In England, it goes very fast, attack and defence and attack and defence again.

“The French game you feel more the control and trying to find our moments and we are all more relaxed playing the ball to each other.

“For me, I don’t know if speed is necessary all the time as it is here because for me it’s all about technique but the Premier League is the toughest in the world."

Depay and his Lyon team will have to find another engine as hard-working midfielder Tanguy Ndombele who made a huge impression on English clubs last season joined Tottenham.

The Dutchman conceded he would be a big loss to the team but was not surprised Tottenham had to break their transfer record to land his services, as he is built for the Premier League.

“Tanguy is a wonderful character to have in the dressing room and I love him, me and him we have a good understanding of things," he added.

“Tottenham should expect a lot from him because he is still very young and if you see how fast he has moved from the second league club to Lyon, and he stayed with us also for short period, but in that period he was very important for us in big games.”

“He has got speed, technique and strength which was the ingredients needed to survive, so I can say he is built to play in the Premier League.”

In the absence of Ndombele, there is added responsibility on Depay to score more goals if Lyon are to keep up with PSG who are operating at a level higher than anyone in Ligue 1.

But the Depay is hoping that he and his teammates can develop both as a team and on individual level.

“On a personal note I am trying to be happy and trying to help out the team achieve the ultimate goal and be important the team,” he added.

“I am going to try to be happy too because for me trying to be happy outside the pitch reflects in my performance on the pitch and that translates into helping them win trophies, score goals and give assists to runners and other players for us to win matches in the coming season.”