Holding the record for second-lowest goalscorer in the top half of the Premier League table is not something Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is proud of.
Following the acrimonious departure of last season’s top scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo, the need to address this situation has become apparent.
Despite commendable displays from both forwards Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, the Dutchman has spoken publicly of the need to strengthen up front.
United’s desperate need to strengthen up front
But the club’s finances are stretched at the moment due to the possibility of the Glazers selling the club and the exorbitant splurge of the summer.
That has left very little room for manoeuvre, with loan agreements the only possible course of action in January.
Caught in an equally awkward situation is former Manchester United attacker Memphis Depay.
He returned to Barcelona after a commendable World Cup where he scored once and led the line well for the Netherlands.
Manchester United hope to bring in a striker during the transfer window, but they don’t want to go broke.
Memphis Depay, once from #MUFC, is a potential option; The Dutchman has only six months left on his contract with Barcelona and he would be available at a reduced price.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) January 3, 2023
But Xavi remains wary of him, which was made clear when the 28-year-old was left rotten on the bench against Espanyol. The striker is aware that the most he can get are minutes in Cup competitions.
“The Dutchman does not understand his ostracism despite the fact that he seems fitter than other footballers with minutes and he is beginning to get tired because he believes that his replacement is not due to sporting criteria,” revealed a SPORT report.
The situation has been further complicated by the financial problems of the Catalan giants. While they were open to letting the striker leave for free in the summer, they are now expecting a transfer fee in January.
Depay’s struggles at Barça could lead to a January exit
“The problem is that the Dutchman wants to keep his current salary and that could only happen by leaving with the letter of freedom or on loan until the end of the contract,” the report added.
The striker has received interest from a number of teams ranging from Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea in England to Juventus and Roma in Serie A.
Considering his contract ends in 2023, not many clubs would be willing to pay a transfer fee to secure his signing.
It will be interesting to see how this situation plays out. While Depay would be a perfect signing in the short term, Ten Hag will have the final say on any income.
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