Man Utd: Ten Hag can ‘attract’ £17m star out-shooting Gakpo at World Cup

Manchester United signing Barcelona and Netherlands forward Memphis Depay would make “a lot of sense”, says journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a return to the Red Devils, and O’Rourke thinks working under compatriot Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford is likely to appeal to him.

Man United transfer news – Memphis Depay

According to SPORT, United are already working on signing Depay ahead of the January transfer window.

The Manchester club could do with the arrival of a new forward following Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit, and it appears that the Barcelona star is one attacker who they are now looking at.

And with less than one year remaining on his contract, Depay, who is valued at around £17m by the CIES Football Observatory, should not cost too much either.

If Depay joined United in January, it would not be his first stint at the club, with the Netherlands international having a spell there from 2015 to 2017.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What has Pete O’Rourke said about Memphis Depay potentially returning to Man United?

O’Rourke thinks United re-signing Depay could be a good move.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: “When he was first at the club, it didn’t really work out for Memphis Depay, which was a shock to most people. I think most people expected him to succeed at Manchester United.

“It seems Barcelona are willing to let him move on in January whether that’s on a free transfer or for a cut-price fee, and I think Manchester United, we all know, probably will be looking at forward additions in January following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. So Memphis Depay would make a lot of sense.

“He knows the club already, you’d imagine he’d quickly adapt and obviously working with a fellow Dutchman in Erik ten Hag, I’m sure, will be a big attraction for him as well.”

How has Memphis Depay performed at the World Cup?

Depay can be pleased with his contribution in Qatar. It was the former Lyon man who, of course, scored the opener in his nation’s 3-1 win against the USA in the last 16.

In general, when Depay has been on the pitch, he has been a threat. As per FBref, the ex-United star is taking 4.09 shots per 90 minutes, which is more than what team-mate Cody Gakpo (1.33) is managing, for example.

At club level, Depay has also been dangerous. According to Transfermarkt, the Netherlands star has scored 147 senior goals, so he really could be a good option for United and Ten Hag in January.

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