Memphis Depay dropped for the Netherlands because he 'does not function in a team' - Robin van Persie also fails to make squad

The forward has struggled for Manchester United this season

Manchester United forward Memphis Depay (Getty Images)

Memphis Depay has been dropped for the Netherlands' upcoming friendlies against Wales and Germany because he "does not function in a team".

The Netherlands manager Danny Blind, father of Depay's Manchester United team-mate Daley, said: "In football you must function in a team. He doesn't always do that."

It is the latest blow for Depay following his £25m summer move from PSV. The forward has struggled for form this season and has recently been dropped from the United team by manager Louis van Gaal.

In addition, former United striker Robin van Persie, who now plays for Fenerbahce, has also been dropped. Blind added, however, that it does not mean the end of his international career.

The 32-year-old former Arsenal and Manchester United star has scored 50 goals in 101 internationals, but now looks like he could become the first major casualty of a rebuilding process after the Netherlands failed to qualify for next year's European Championship.

"I don't think he's playing well" for his Turkish club Fenerbahce, Blind said. But he refused to slam the door shut definitively on Van Persie's international playing days, saying he could still be called up in the future if he returns to full fitness.

Since moving to Turkey, Van Persie has struggled with his form and fitness.

Robin van Persie has also been dropped for the Netherlands (Getty Images)

The Dutch have no competitive matches until World Cup qualifiers start next year, giving Blind time to use friendly matches to test young players.

"I have to look to the future," he said. Nevertheless, he did call up veterans Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder.