Three ways Manchester United could line up with Memphis Depay transfer

Manchester United are considering a shock move for former attacker Memphis Depay ahead of Thursday evening's transfer deadline.

The Manchester Evening News understands that United, who will be going in search of a second successive win when they travel to Southampton this lunchtime, are refusing to rule out the prospect of bringing the Netherlands international back to Old Trafford. Depay has entered the final year of his contract at Barcelona and is no stranger to M16, spending just over one-and-a-half years at United between June 2015 and January 2017.

He is also no stranger to Reds manager Erik ten Hag. Depay was at PSV Eindhoven when Tag Hag was serving as assistant manager, meaning they know each other well.

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United want to add to their pool of attacking options before the window closes at 11pm on Thursday and still exploring several options. Ajax star Antony is their top target but Cody Gakpo of PSV and Depay, who Barcelona are prepared to sell, are also attracting their interest.

Here are three ways United could line up with Depay:

Left-wing (4-3-3)

Presuming Depay returns to United and Ten Hag considers him as a natural left-winger, it is likely that he would be in direct competition with Marcus Rashford for a place in the starting line-up. Rashford flourished on the left in the second half against Liverpool on Monday and will now be looking to make that position his own again after grabbing a much-needed, confidence-boosting goal.

Jadon Sancho's best football in a United shirt, to date, has come off the left flank, but he has started the opening three games this season on the right. He was initially signed by the Reds just