The Dutch winger was brought to Old Trafford by Louis van Gaal two years ago from PSV but failed to make an impact in the Premier League.

He signed for Lyon in January and despite a promising start to his career in France, Depay doesn’t plan on sticking around for too long.

"I think I'm going to Real Madrid,” he said.

“Yes, that's a serious goal. What's happened so far, that's God, he helps me and brings me here.

"I had very nice times at PSV, but I wanted to reach higher goals in my career. At Lyon I'm very happy. The club is in a way comparable to PSV."

The 23-year-old arrived in Manchester with a lot of promise after scoring 22 goals in his final Eredivisie season.

Manchester United paid £25m to secure his services but he scored just two league goals in an underwhelming season that saw him eventually dropped to the bench.

Depay only played eight times in his second year at United before being shipped out to France in the winter, where he’s scored eight times in his first 27 games.

Jose Mourinho’s side don’t appear to be missing him,as they have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season and sit level on points with neighbours Manchester City at the top of the league.

United and Madrid both return to European action this week in the Champions League.

The Red Devils travel to Benfica on Wednesday, while Real host Tottenham Hotspur at the Bernabeu on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Depay is also in European action, as Lyon travel to England to take on Everton in the Europa League on Thursday.