#4 Memphis Depay
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Dutchman Depay caught the eye of the world’s best clubs after playing an important role in his country’s run to the 2014 World Cup semi-finals. Later on that season, he played a starring role for PSV as they won the Eredivisie as he was the league’s top scorer and also the best player.
United signed him for a fee of £25 million after beating off interest from rivals Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain. The Dutch winger, only 20 at the time, was compared to both compatriot, Arjen Robben, and Ronaldo. Fans were eager to not only see him in action but were also thrilled to have another player with excellent dead ball skills on their hands.
He was glad to be playing for Van Gaal’s side again as many former and current Red Devils felt that he (i.e. Depay) had the potential to become a world-class player. Upon his request, he wore the legendary No. 7 jersey.
After a lacklustre debut, Depay became the toast of the side after scoring two goals against Club Brugge in a Champions League qualification match. He continued that form in the return leg as he assisted in skipper, Wayne Rooney’s goal. Soon after, he scored his first Premier League goal against Sunderland.
Many attributed his early struggles in the league to his flamboyant lifestyle off the pitch. This resulted in him being dropped from the side. He made his comeback against Watford while playing as a striker and scored a delightful volley to end up winning his first Man of the Match award.
However, his lethargic defending cost United dearly in the next game as Chelsea scored an equaliser in stoppage time. Depay earned a lot of criticism and flak from pundits and fans alike. He continued his rich vein of form against Midtjylland in the Champions League but was unable to become a regular fixture in the side. Furthermore, the emergence of Anthony Martial on the left meant that his opportunities were limited.
This season Depay was largely a peripheral figure, being utilised as a late substitute in most games. His tendency to give away possession at crucial junctures meant that he rarely featured for the Red Devils. He was sold to Olympique Lyonnais in the January window.
All in all, it is fair to say that none of United’s last four players were able to make the celebrated No. 7 jersey their own for long periods. It will be interesting to see who next wears this shirt and whether he writes his name in United folklore or ends up failing to live up to the lofty expectations that this jersey brings with it.
