Memphis Depay’s awful start to life in English football continues.
The Manchester United winger was dropped for his team’s 3-0 win over Everton, and could have little argument with Louis van Gaal’s decision.
Depay’s only decent performance for his new team came against Belgian side Club Brugge in the Champions League, he has lost the ball more than any player in the Premier League this season, and there have been reports that the player’s attitude has been less than exemplary behind the scenes.
Now Van Gaal has warned him that unless he adapts to the club’s philosophy, he will follow the paths of Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria and exit Old Trafford.
“Some players cannot adapt to the team philosophy,” Van Gaal said. “That you cannot know in advance. You have to see that.”
“Because you see a lot of qualities in a player, but he has to put that quality in service of your team.”
“That also happened with Angel di MarÃa and Falcao – both great players but you have to fit in with the philosophy. Not only with Memphis, with every player that we have bought.”
Both Di Maria and Falcao were expensive transfer outlays, who arrived at Old Trafford to significant fanfare, but endured an underwhelming campaign before being shipped out.
The Dutchman would be wise to take note of Van Gaal’s warning.
