This archive report was first published on 2 August 2019.
Manchester United's Memphis Depay has spoken about his time at the club, admitting that his move to Old Trafford came too early.
Depay joined United in 2015, but struggled to make an impact, scoring just two Premier League goals in 33 appearances.
However, since joining Lyon in 2017, the Dutchman has found his form, scoring 34 goals in 88 appearances.
Depay has attributed his success at Lyon to his increased maturity and the difference in style between the French and English games.
"My mental state is different," he said in an interview with Mirror Sport. "I was 21 back then when I was with United and now I am 25 so obviously, I am a more matured human being now than when I was in Manchester."
Depay also highlighted the difference in pace between the French and English games, saying that the French game allows for more control and possession.
"The French game you feel more the control and trying to find our moments and we are all more relaxed playing the ball to each other," he said.
Depay's comments come as Lyon prepare for a new season without hard-working midfielder Tanguy Ndombele, who has joined Tottenham.
Depay conceded that Ndombele's departure would be a big loss to the team, but was not surprised that Tottenham had to break their transfer record to land his services.
"Tanguy is a wonderful character to have in the dressing room and I love him," he said. "Tottenham should expect a lot from him because he is still very young and if you see how fast he has moved from the second league club to Lyon, and he stayed with us also for short period, but in that period he was very important for us in big games."
