Memphis Depay faces ban

Manchester United prioritised the attacking positions last summer in order to up their goal tally.

Many former United forwards are now scattered across Europe and beyond, with their post-United careers offering differing outcomes.

One player has now found himself back in the spotlight for all the wrong reason following a bizarre incident abroad.

Memphis Depay is facing a potential suspension of up to six games after being caught using his mobile phone on the substitutes’ bench during Corinthians’ 1-1 draw with Flamengo.

The incident showed the Dutch forward on his phone before a member of the coaching staff intervened and instructed him to stop.

Memphis Depay was subsequently reported to Brazil’s Superior Court of Sports Justice, which deals with conduct deemed contrary to sporting ethics and discipline.

The official complaint, which UOL has assessed and relayed by the Daily Mail, stated, “The conduct of a high-profile athlete has a strong capacity to influence behaviour, potentially normalising the use of electronic devices on the bench, which would weaken disciplinary control, create opportunities for improper communication, and generate additional difficulties for referees and organisers in enforcing the rules.”

Authorities could now hand down a suspension ranging from one to six games if he is found guilty.

The forward had already been substituted early in the match due to a thigh injury, which he later clarified was the reason behind his actions.

Once signed by United as one of the brightest talents in world football, his time in England failed to meet expectations before he rebuilt his reputation at Lyon.

Moves to Barcelona and later Atletico Madrid followed, but inconsistency once again limited his impact at the highest level.

Since joining Corinthians in 2024, Memphis Depay has contributed 20 goals and 15 assists in 77 appearances.

However, this latest controversy now threatens to derail his momentum in Brazil.