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Memphis Depay: Support role at Manchester United is not for me

Memphis Depay (R) is yet to start a Premier League game for Manchester United this season
Image: Memphis Depay (R) is yet to start a Premier League game for Manchester United this season

Memphis Depay says he is not happy to remain at Manchester United if it means only having a supporting role.

The 22-year-old winger joined United from PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2015, stating his desire to work with "the best manager in the world", Louis van Gaal, as a driving force behind the move. 

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Depay fell out of favour last season and has made just three Premier League appearances under new United boss Jose Mourinho this season, all coming from the substitutes' bench, and the Dutch forward is adamant he will not be content at Old Trafford while the situation continues. 

"I am the same person and I know what I want," Depay told Dutch newspaper Metro Nieuws. "A supporting role is not for me. I'm not a player who is happy with the fact that he is under contract with Manchester United. This is my dream club, but I want to play."

Despite his admiration for former United boss Van Gaal, Depay admits the club have made improvements under Mourinho, which is making it difficult for him to get into the side.

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"The training sessions are going well, I'm sharp and fit, but that applies to everyone," said Depay. "The level has become higher. Jose Mourinho is a top coach. 

"Mourinho has expressed his confidence in me. Personally, but also in the press."

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Manchester United's Paul Pogba (L) and Memphis Depay during a training session at Aon Training Complex
Image: Depay says he doesn't need any favours from Paul Pogba

Although Depay has received criticism for failing to perform following his big-money move he is not looking for any help from team-mate and friend Paul Pogba, who arrived at Old Trafford for a world-record fee this summer.

"Paul and I have known each other for a while," Depay added. "But it is a man's sport, it's not as if I need to be comforted. I am still convinced of my abilities." 

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