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Memphis Depay moved to Manchester United ‘too early’ says Patrick Vieira as Holland star completes Barcelona transfer
ARSENAL legend Patrick Vieira believes new Barcelona signing Memphis Depay moved to Manchester United ‘too early’ in his career.
The 27-year-old endured a tricky spell at Old Trafford between June 2015 and January 2017.
Memphis Depay, 27, has become one of the best forwards in European football[/caption]
Ex-France international Patrick Vieira is a big fan of Barcelona’s new signing[/caption]
Speaking to ITV Sport, Vieira said: “I saw him play with Lyon and he is a terrific talent.
“He can make things happen – he can score or create.
“I think the experience at United was too early for him, but I think it makes him learn more about himself.
“In France he’s one of the top players and now he is signing for Barcelona.
“He’ll be at a club where he can truly show his talents and I think he’s been at one of the stars of Euro 2020.”
Depay is part of Holland’s squad for Euro 2020 and has made a good start to the tournament, scoring two goals to help his country reach the last 16.
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The forward was one of Europe’s hottest talents when he signed for United, scoring 22 league goals to help PSV win the Dutch title in 2014-15.
But he managed just two Premier League goals during his 18-month spell at Old Trafford, struggling to impress under managers Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho.
Depay was allowed to move to Lyon in January 2017 and went on to have an excellent four-and-a-half years in France, scoring 63 goals in 139 Ligue 1 games.
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The Holland international has recently completed a free transfer to Barca after previously confirming his desire to join the Spanish giants.
Depay had told reporters: “I want to play with Ronald Koeman.”
The Barcelona boss was also open about the interest, recently admitting: “I wanted to complete the deal in January and if he comes it is great for us.”
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