Even before the six-week World Cup break hit, Manchester United’s need to recruit a goalscorer in the winter transfer window had been well documented.
Last season’s top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo was struggling to make an impact, while Anthony Martial’s injury problems meant he has barely started any games this season.
Marcus Rashford certainly looks like a rejuvenated man, but his penchant for seeking power rather than positioning has meant United have failed to score as many as they would have liked.
Depay could be on the move
But now, following Ronaldo’s incendiary comments on the Piers Morgan show, the club have agreed to terminate his contract.
Which means that signing a striker in January has become even more important if the club is to achieve its goals this season.
A number of potential targets have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, including World Cup stars Cody Gakpo and Joao Felix.
#Depay News: It is also on the #MUFC list. We’ve been told that Ten Hag can actually imagine bringing him back. There is contact between all parties. Barça would even terminate the contract, they desperately want to save their salary. @Sky_Marc @SkySportDE ???????? pic.twitter.com/PSrkcNiVnx
– Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 25, 2022
Another star who has been regularly linked with a return to the Red Devils is current Barcelona star Memphis Depay. He reportedly came close to a summer transfer, but in the end, it didn’t materialize.
According to SPORT, Barcelona want to get rid of the Dutch striker but, in return, the player must forfeit money owed to him for the few months remaining on his contract with Barcelona.
At least he will try to forgive money on his contract termination, something he did not do this summer when he was close to Juventus. The Blaugrana club would provide him with the letter of freedom, renouncing to enter into any transfer ”, the report mentions.
United, Chelsea in the race
Interestingly, Depay was targeted by Juventus in the summer and at the time, he did not agree to waive his salary or reduce his wage demands from the £6m a year initially requested.
While the 28-year-old only wants to move to an elite club, one of his demands was also that the club must be in the Champions League, something United cannot offer at the moment.
Chelsea are also said to be interested and they have the luxury of being able to pay their wage demands and offer Champions League football.
However, Depay has unfinished business at United and has always hinted at a comeback after failing to impress in his season and a half as the Red Devil.
Erik ten Hag is a huge fan of his compatriot, who has struggled to be fit and fit this season. But he has looked good for his national team at the World Cup and that might be enough to tempt suitors to make him an offer soon.
