Memphis Depay certainly enjoyed himself last week.
The Dutchman was simply sensational in Lyon’s 4-2 win over Guingamp, scoring two of their goals and setting up the other two.
Now wonder he spent the following morning ‘feeling like Beckham’.
Woke up feeling like Beckham! 
pic.twitter.com/IeI99WRtWq
— Memphis (@Memphis) November 11, 2018
But while we’re sure a few Man United fans were pleased to seeseemingly their former flame bigging up the Reds on derby day, more will be somewhat frustrated that he’s found his feet in France, having struggled so severely during his brief spell at Old Trafford.
In fact, Depay is easily one of the best players in Ligue 1 at the moment, having been involved in more goals than any other player in the league so far this year.
And while many of you will be scoffing at the thought of a decent player making it ‘in the farmer’s league’, you have to remember that he’s being sized up against the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Dimitri Payet, Falcao and Mario Balotelli, among others.
So having become such a resounding success in France, is it time he gave the Premier League another crack?
AFP or licensors Ligue 1 has become Depay’s playground[/caption]
Since joining Lyon in January 2017, Depay really has turned a corner.
Showcasing his form and fitness, the 24-year-old – yes, that’s right, he’s still only 24 – has helped the club become Ligue 1’s best-of-the-rest after PSG, as well as one of the surprise packages in the Champions League.
Speaking ahead of their shock win over Man City in the competition back in September, Depay spoke about his attitude during his time at United – answering jibes made by former captain Wayne Rooney on his behaviour during their time as teammates.
He said: “It’s in the past and I’m a flamboyant guy and like nice stuff but that doesn’t mean I couldn’t be more smart. I’ve become more mature.”
Memphis Depay that is just outrageous! 
An inch-perfect free-kick right out of the top drawer 
Unsaveable! pic.twitter.com/nToyIIywTJ
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 10, 2018
But is it just a change in attitude, or is he simply flourishing in an environment where there’s less pressure?
After all, Depay joined United from PSV in 2015 with the world at his feet.
Named the “Best Young Player” in the world that year by France Football, big things were expected from him at Old Trafford.
Especially when he was handed the club’s famous No 7 shirt – which was previously worn by club legends George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.
But after netting just seven goals in 53 appearances, the Dutchman was branded as just another expensive flop.
It was clear that he needed to get out of the nuclear reactor.
CarlRecine His time at Old Trafford was nightmarish[/caption]
Perhaps it was all a case of too much, too soon.
That’s the view of former Netherlands Under-21 manager Cor Pot, who believes the move to United happened at the wrong time.
Speaking to voetbalprimeur in a recent interview, he said: “You already saw that it was a very great talent, maybe he went to United a bit too early, and that was all too fast, he was just a basic player in Eindhoven, Lyon was a good step for Memphis. It’s fantastic now.”
“He keeps on developing himself – not only as a player, but also as a person – Memphis gets a bit calmer, does not do any crazy things anymore, but at the time he was a bit shy, of course you had that fuss with that hat extravagant behavior. That seems a bit over now, I think he’s doing fine.”
Reuters Could a return to the Premier League be on the cards?[/caption]
On current form, it’s even been suggested that it’s time he looked to move to a bigger club.
And having featured predominantly in the centre of Lyon’s attack this season – as a support-striker or even in the more traditional No.9 role – United would certainly be interested in having him back in their line-up.
Of course, there’s rumours that United agreed a buy-back option on Depay when they sold him to Lyon in January 2017.
But while buy-back options seemingly aren’t available in Ligue 1, it’s presumed that United will be at the front of the queue – or will at least have a first-refusal arrangement in place – if they fancy giving him another crack at the Premier League.
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