Manchester United Might Lose Out on ‘the next Cristiano Ronaldo’

Manchester United
Flickr/ Sean Mcentee

Tottenham and Manchester United are both hoping to strengthen their squad in wide areas this summer.  Young Dutch winger Memphis Depay (PSV), dubbed by many as “the next Cristiano Ronaldo”, was being toted to either rejoin Van Gaal at United or replace Lennon and/or Townsend at Tottenham. Those two sides were the only two sides that were linked with the 20 year old’s signature, but now, it appears Juventus is interested and could be set to get the youngster’s signature ahead of the two English sides with a £12m bid.

No matter where he goes, all the signs are pointing to Depay leaving PSV. He has said that if a big club came in, he would have to seriously consider a move. Plus, he recently refused extending his contract at PSV. His performances at the World Cup showed that he would be a good addition to any team, but if Juventus were the team to get him, it remains to be seen how he would be used.

The Old Lady are known for not making the most of youth players, either by selling them to other clubs or sending them out on loan. Vidal and Pogba, the two players who are rumored to be leaving Juventus, would not be replaced by Depay, as he is a winger. Isla went to QPR, so maybe Depay could get chances as a right wing-back. But the Dutchmen won’t strengthen Juventus were they need strengthening.

Corriere dello Sport was the original source of this rumor, before it was picked up by several British papers. Until this move makes headline in a major British publication, this rumor is not the strongest. Right now, the strength stands at a 4 out of 10, although a move to Juventus is always tempting for any player.

Juventus can promise Champions League football, so they may be more appealing to Depay than Tottenham or United. However, the Italian Club does not need Depay as much as the other two, so if a bidding war starts they may just let one of the English clubs have him. The chance of this happening is a 40%.