Dutch star Memphis Depay has bid adieu to Manchester United and he thanked the Red Devils fans for their support following his switch to Ligue 1 Lyon for a transfer fee of £21.7million.
Fans expected a lot form Depay, when he joined Manchester United in 2015 for £25m, but the Dutch striker failed to remain consistent under Van Gaal and has lacked game time under new boss Mourinho.
Depay only started one game for Manchester United this season – that too not in the Premier League but in the EFL Cup win over Northampton back in September.
After completing his move to Lyon, Depay took to Istagram and said: “Thanks for all the memories during my time as a Red Devil. I will never forget all your support at Manchester United.”
Earlier, Mourinho had refused to let any of his players to leave on loan but now he is happy after cashing in on Schneiderlin and Depay on permanent deals.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said: “We’ve bet on a player who wants to show his immense talent.”
“There was a lot of interest in him from his time with Holland and in Eindhoven, where he had two fantastic seasons.”
“When you see him developing, you get the impression that he really wants to show his immense talent.”
However, Mourinho has kept the door open for Depay to return to Old Trafford in the future, if he can step up his game and deliver at Lyon – with his contract at Lyon having a buy-back fee of £30m.
And Manchester United will have the upper hand in triggering the buy-back option if he can recreate his best form.
Mourinho said: “Potentially he is still a very good player.”
“Mr Van Gaal and Manchester United did well to buy him.”
“He knew him from the national team. He was very young in the World Cup and had flashes of top quality.”
“He did not succeed in the 18 months he was here but I think it is very important for the club to keep control of his talent.”
“So we wish he plays well at Lyon and comes back because everyone here likes him.”
