Memphis Depay looks set to end his Manchester United nightmare by securing a move to AC Milan in January, according to the Express Sport. The Italian Serie A outfit are no longer a top dog in this part of the world, but they could just be the right fit for all parties. United are unlikely to receive any transfer fee for the player, as the Dutch international could be moving to the San Siro on a loan deal initially. However, it would benefit Depay with regular first-team football as Milan have a few quality players up front.
Milan would likewise benefit from the improved quality offered by the Dutchman even though he would be woefully short of confidence at the moment. Depay came in with a lot of hope and aspiration as being a highly talented youngster who could potentially hit the heights of great wingers before him like Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs. After a reasonably good first few months, his performance levels dropped so drastically – even during Louis van Gaal’s time – and he was unable to get any action whatsoever towards the end of last season.
After failing to even start in the Europa League against Feyenoord, there seems little hope for Depay at United right now. Depay had won the European Golden boot by scoring 22 goals not long ago. Confidence seems to be the major hindrance for the £25 million signing. A loan move away from a big club like United is potentially a red flag that his career at Old Trafford may very well be over. As a long list of players awaits a chance at United, it will be tough for the player to even contemplate a return.
Depay could hope for the best at San Siro, as Milan recently saw new investment coming in the form of a Chinese consortium. The club have been linked with a string of big names – including Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who is also starved of first-team opportunities – and only time will tell if the talks turn not to be real. The rumours linking Depay with a move to Milan may also have cropped up only now, but there is a distinct possibility of the winger leaving United in January.
Even if Milan do not come in, Depay may very well turn his attention to other Premier League clubs or even a move back to the Eredivisie. Depay has a contract with the club until 2019 but with United having an option to extend it by a further year. At this moment, though, it looks like Depay may not even be around to fulfill half of those years.
