Memphis Depay hits back at critics and insists he is working hard

Memphis Depay has hit back at criticism over his attitude after both his club and international coaches suggested he was not yet the finished article.

The winger was dropped by the Holland coach, Danny Blind, who called into question his commitment as a team player though he has since been reinstated to the squad for the coming games against Wales and Germany.

Depay has not played in the Premier League for Manchester United since the 3-0 loss at Arsenal on 4 October with the manager, Louis van Gaal, saying of him: “He is only 21 and that is also an age you cannot expect consistency.”

Depay said he had now talked with Blind and “it was a very good conversation”. He added: “I think I’m a team player and the other players in the team also think that. I don’t think I’m in a difficult path of my career as the media talk but I just think my form isn’t very good right now.

“I’m still working hard. Just because I don’t show the exact form that I showed at the World Cup or last year, it doesn’t mean I don’t work hard. Right now, I feel good again. Other people don’t see what I’m doing in training so people think I’m not busy with football but that’s not true.”

Of United, where the £25m left-winger’s place has been taken by the youth-team product Jesse Lingard, he admitted: “Of course, it’s difficult when you’re on the bench but it’s going better right now. If I get my chance to play, I will take it.

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Young people to lose access to unemployment benefits as part of welfare reforms

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