Transfer Centre

Memphis Depay return to Manchester United 'could depend on Cristiano Ronaldo'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 27 August 2022

Memphis return to Man United 'could depend on Ronaldo'

Manchester United's potential move for Barcelona attacker Memphis Depay could depend on Cristiano Ronaldo's future, according to a report.

Manchester United's potential move for Memphis Depay could reportedly depend on whether Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Old Trafford before the end of the transfer window.

The 20-time English champions made it back-to-back Premier League victories on Saturday afternoon when they triumphed at Southampton courtesy of a second-half effort from Bruno Fernandes.

The Red Devils are working to improve their squad before the deadline, and the club are allegedly still in talks with Ajax over Antony despite seeing their latest offer turned down.

There has also been speculation surrounding Memphis, with Man United believed to be considering re-signing the Netherlands international before the end of the window.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Memphis is on the English club's 'list', with the attacker likely to leave Barcelona over the next week.

Real Betis' Guido Rodriguez in action with FC Barcelona's Memphis Depay on May 7, 2022 © Reuters

However, Romano claims that a deal for the 28-year-old could depend on whether Ronaldo leaves Old Trafford before the window slams shut.

Ronaldo continues to be linked with an exit, and the Portugal international was again named on the bench in the Premier League against Southampton on Saturday afternoon.

Napoli have recently been linked with the 37-year-old, although the Italian club's head coach Luciano Spalletti played down the rumours when asked about a move late in the window.

The Portugal international is still thought to be pushing to leave before the deadline, as he is determined to continue playing Champions League football this season.

A departure for Ronaldo would leave Erik ten Hag's side short in the final third of the field, with Antony and one more attacker potentially required to fill the void.

Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Manchester United on August 13, 2022 © Reuters

Memphis was believed to be on the verge of joining Juventus last week, but a move the Old Lady has broken down, with the Italian giants now dropping their interest.

There had been suggestions of loan interest from Real Sociedad, but Romano said that there are 'no negotiations' over a potential move to the Basque outfit.

The Dutchman, who moved to Camp Nou on a free transfer last year, scored 13 times and contributed two assists in 38 appearances for his Catalan club last term.

The forward previously represented Man United between 2015 and 2017, meanwhile, but only managed seven goals in 53 appearances for the Red Devils during a disappointing spell.

Man United have also been credited with an interest in Memphis's teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is also being strongly linked with a Camp Nou exit before the end of the window.