Memphis Depay’s Man Utd clause and “unfinished business” claim as he stars in World Cup

Memphis Depay starred for Netherlands as they booked their spot in the World Cup quarter-finals – and the former Manchester United ace could soon be poised for another big move

Memphis Depay has continued his remarkable international scoring record at the World Cup (

Image: Julian Finney/Getty)

Memphis Depay’s unspectacular stint at Manchester United has long been consigned to the history books – but the Dutchman is busy creating some history of his own in the World Cup.

Just a fortnight after United confirmed that last season’s star striker, Cristiano Ronaldo, had left the club six months early, Depay showcased the sort of quality that was sorely missing during his brief Old Trafford by finishing a sweeping Netherlands move to net one of the goals of the tournament.

Ironically, his first-half strike in Netherlands’ 3-1 win over the United States helped prolong the career of the very man who brought him to the Premier League back in the summer of 2015: Louis van Gaal.

Much like Depay, Van Gaal has enjoyed himself since leaving Old Trafford. But unlike his national team boss, who is set to retire after the tournament, Depay could yet cross paths with Manchester United again in the near future.

The 28-year-old has already admitted that he has “unfinished business” at United after departing the club in January 2017. He was given the green light to leave the club after just 18 months by Van Gaal’s successor, Jose Mourinho – but the wily Portuguese coach did insist on including a clause that would allow Manchester United to re-sign the forward from Lyon.

Regardless of whether or not Manchester United had any concrete plans to trigger that clause, it’s obvious they knew Depay still had the potential to come good.

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Depay did not live up to his billing at Manchester United (

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Matthew Ashton/Getty Images)

Obviously, that clause has long gone; after rebuilding his reputation in Ligue 1, Depay opted to run down his deal and seal a dream switch to Barcelona as a free agent last summer. However, his stint in Spain has not gone entirely to plan – and he has already been linked with a return to the Premier League.

Despite his struggles at Barcelona, Depay’s influence on the international stage has not waned; his 10th-minute strike against USMNT was his 22nd goal in 24 appearances for the Netherlands.

The forward’s versatility could also make him an attractive proposition to Erik ten Hag, who is no stranger to Depay after working as an assistant coach during the striker’s stint at PSV. Crucially, Ten Hag is also now a striker light.

Although United have been heavily linked with Depay’s international colleague, Cody Gakpo, striking a deal with Barcelona for Depay’s services would be far less taxing on a club who are fresh off shelling out more than £200m on summer signings.

Depay is currently at Barcelona but is not first-choice

Even if Manchester United decide to stick to their guns and continue with their courtship of Gakpo, at the very least, Depay has put himself in the frame for a move in the New Year with his Barcelona career seemingly beyond salvation.

Depay is a different player from the one who mustered just seven goals and looked off the pace during a half-century of appearances for Manchester United in the early portion of his career.

And with United in desperate need of another forward after Ronaldo’s abrupt exit, an unexpected reunion with Depay could bear fruit for both parties.

Maybe one, or even both, may not be keen on the idea. But at the very least, after the events of the last few weeks, it feels like a second spell at Old Trafford for Depay is beginning to feel like a very real option.