Jose Mourinho has confirmed Manchester United have a buy-back option with Memphis because he believes the Dutchman can still fulfil his talent.
Memphis’ £16million transfer to Lyon was confirmed shortly before Mourinho’s pre-match press conference began on Friday and the United manager was asked about the club’s decision to have first refusal on the 22-year-old winger.
“Because potentially he’s a very good player,” Mourinho responded. “I think when Mr Van Gaal decided to buy him he did well, he knew him very well from the national team, he was very young when at the World Cup he had flashes of top quality.
“He was playing well in Holland, we know the Dutch league is not the same but he was showing very good things. So I think Mr Van Gaal and Manchester United did very well to buy him.
“He didn’t succeed in his 18 months but he’s very young so I think it’s important for the club to complete control of this talent and we all wish he plays very, very well at Lyon and why not to come back because everyone here likes him.”
Memphis’ fee could rise to £21.7m and he sent a message to United supporters after sealing his move.