Manchester United Transfer News: Memphis Depay Interest Stated by Ronald Koeman

Southampton coach Ronald Koeman has implied he would be ready to take Memphis Depay from Manchester United in future. He stated that if the starlet's move to Old Trafford ends in failure he would be prepared to sign him. 

Speaking at a BBC Solent fans forum event (h/t Adrian Kajumba of the Mirror,) the Saints boss registered his previous interest in the player, adding "if one day he will be on the market, I'm interested, yes."

However, Koeman said he has faith his countryman will be a success at United after a difficult start to life in the lion's den of the Premier League, per Kajumba:

"

It is true, we were interested in Memphis Depay last year but we heard from his management that he wanted to stay one more year in Holland (at PSV Eindhoven) and then take the opportunity to play for a foreign club.

I think Memphis Depay, now at the moment, has a difficult time but that's normal because he is 21 and of course maybe the step to Manchester United in all aspects is a difficult one and he needs more time.

If one day he will be on the market, I'm interested yes but I don't think so because I believe in that player.

It is a difficult time but (he is) still young. He has to improve a lot and he will go through all these difficult moments.

"

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Memphis has struggled to adapt to the challenges of life in England, often going missing just at the times United have needed him most. The impact of Anthony Martial has given Depay room to breathe, with the focus falling on the French teenager's exploits, but coach Louis van Gaal decided to drop the winger from his first team against Everton on Saturday. This led to the Red Devils' best performance of the season. 

Depay recorded an excellent set of statistics last term as PSV romped to the Dutch league title, scoring 22 times in 30 Eredivisie matches, according to WhoScored.com.

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However, it is worth noting the player only provided five assists last year, suggesting his creativity in the Premier League was always going to be compromised with the upturn in quality he has faced in England. Memphis is yet to create an assist in eight Premier League outings, prompting his dropping by LvG. 

Dutch football writer Elko Born agreed with Van Gaal's decision to bench Memphis, stating his belief the player will improve in time:

The next few months could be rocky for the player, with Martial shining on the left side of the attack and Wayne Rooney reverting to his best position of No. 9, for the win at Goodison Park. 

The United captain broke his goal duck, Martial nullified the threat of Seamus Coleman with his movement and coverage, showing Memphis exactly what he should have been doing since the start of the season. 

Jon Super/Associated Press

Depay will struggle to get game time in the coming weeks, but with the busy Christmas programme not too far away, Van Gaal will be forced to rotate his attack. 

However, Ashley Young has also been in steady form on the left wing this year, building on his success of last season, further knocking Memphis down the pecking order. 

The Netherlands international might have to wait for an injury to either Martial or Rooney before he can add consistency to his starting performances, but a short stint in the team's reserve setup could do him good, rather than an extended period on the bench.