Former-Netherlands fitness coach Raymond Verheijen says that Manchester United have mismanaged youngster Memphis Depay and that is why he is underperforming,

Memphis signed for Man United in May 2015, joining the club in July for around £23million. Yet despite constant hype over Memphis, who became well-known after impressing in Louis van Gaal's Netherlands World Cup side, who shocked everyone by finishing third, he has struggled in the Premier League.

Like many young attackers coming over from countries where the standard, pace and strength of football is not as strong as England's high level, Memphis seems to be caught out when on the ball, needing more time on the ball to make an impact. Pressure also seems to be playing a part, with substitute appearances much more successful for the Dutch international than starts at United.

Verheijen slates United treatment of Memphis

Verheijen told the Daily Express that "if you look at Memphis Depay, you can use a metaphor to explain his situation." Verheijen says you just have to "imagine you are running on a treadmill, and you are running for, let's day, five miles per hour."

"After 30 minutes you are exhausted, and then next week you are going to run on that same treadmill but now you're going to run at 10 miles per hour," Verheijen said, "the speed goes up."

Memphis Depay against Bournemouth | Photo: Ian Kington
Memphis Depay against Bournemouth | Photo: Ian Kington/AFP

That is the change from the Eredivisie, the Dutch league, where Memphis was top scorer in his final season at PSV Eindhoven, a title-winning season, to the Premier League.

Memphis has struggled with change in speed, says fitness coach

"There is a very clear correlation between the speed and duration; the volume," says Verheijen. "He goes from PSV Eindhoven to Manchester United," in last year's summer transfer window, "so that means that the speed goes up." 

Although the Dutch league may be entertaining and breeds some incredible players like  Dennis Bergkamp, John Cruyff and even United's own Ruud van Nistelrooy and currently Daley Blind, the pace is far lower, as Verheijen says.

"The speed of play and in training in the Eredivisie is lower than at Manchester United, in training and in the games in the Premier League," Verheijen said. Continuing with the metaphor, Verheijen said that "the treadmill goes faster" for Memphis in England.

Memphis has yet to live up to 'wonderkid' status at United

Verheijen believes United have not recognised this and instead have "thrown [Memphis] in the deep" and so he "will gradually become exhausted, [his] performance will drop and eventually [he] will get injured." Verheijen said that "what should have been done with Memphis Depay and all other young players all around the world is to reduce the volume."

Memphis has shown his obvious talent at times, with wonderful skill, speed and determination. Since he drew criticism from manager van Gaal, Memphis has had a high work rate when playing for United, although that has been a rarity.

If United continue to drop Memphis due to poor form, in a few years time they will have a player who was originally tipped a the next Cristiano Ronaldo and could be a flop. They need to have faith in their 'wonderkid' and play him, although as Verheijen says, be careful with overworking him.

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About the author
Harry Robinson
Deputy Editor-in-Chief at VAVEL UK, and Manchester United Editor.