The Unexpected: Manchester United’s Memphis Depay Compared to Cristiano Ronaldo
Welcome to another edition of our weekly series from We Are Hooligans called “The Unexpected“. This week, we take a look at one of the week’s most “unexpected” events. This time, that event centers around new Manchester United forward and Dutch international Memphis Depay.
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Last week when Memphis Depay was revealed by Manchester United, the new forward refused to be compared to a former Red Devils star. A star that just happens to be — arguably — the world’s best player in Cristiano Ronaldo.
When speaking during his first press conference with Manchester United, Memphis Depay refused to be compared to anybody, especially the world’s best player.
"“I don’t want to compare myself with somebody like that. That is the best player in the world. I don’t want to talk too much. I want to show it on the pitch. I am still young, I have not been in the game for many years in the game, I only played two seasons for PSV. I want to let my feet speak.”"
However, the issue is not the fact that Memphis Depay refused to be compared to Cristiano Ronaldo. The issue is that prior to the 21-year old’s first Premier League match, he is already being compared to one of the greatest players of alltime.
Even with his refusal, comparisons between the two will constantly be brought up for the duration of the Dutchman’s career. The pressure from these comparisons may have already set both Memphis Depay and Manchester United up for failure.
The 21-year old Dutch National Team member has never played at a level as high as the Premier League. To this point, Memphis Depay has never had to play his domestic football outside of the Netherlands.
Adding to the above is Depay’s past playing history. The Dutch star has been with PSV since 2006 when he was a youth player for the club. Now, for the first time in nine years he will be at a different club. A club that happens to be the world’s most prestigious league.
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The comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo at this early stage will only add to the pressure that his high transfer fee has already brought. Every passing season without a Premier League title of Golden Boot will only increase the tension surrounding Memphis Depay.
Those who have already begun the Ronaldo-Depay comparisons are only adding to the pressure. While Memphis Depay may one day become or even surpass Ronaldo, the possibility for Memphis Depay will always be lurking around the nearest corner.
Early comparisons to — arguably — the world’s greatest player will only set Memphis Depay and Manchester United up for future failure. For the player and club’s sake, hopefully his wishes will be met.
Allowing Memphis Depay time to prove himself on the pitch is a must for Red Devils supporters. Should he prove good enough from that point on, then maybe one day we can begin to compare Memphis Depay and Cristiano Ronaldo.