Southampton boss Ronald Koeman launches passionate defence of Manchester United's Memphis Depay

Since arriving at United from PSV Eindhoven in the summer the Dutch forward has struggled for form - with an impressive two-goal performance in the Champions League play-off victory over Club Brugge a rare high point in an otherwise difficult start.

The 21-year-old was dropped by manager Louis van Gaal for the weekend victory over Everton, with Van Gaal subsequently warning his charge he would need to "adapt" to avoid following the likes of Angel Di Maria and leaving the club after a disappointing spell.

But Koeman, who crossed paths with a young Depay when he was manager at PSV, is adamant his compatriot will be a success in the Premier League - adding that, while he would be interested in signing the player if he ever did become available, he does not expect that to happen.

"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," Koeman told a fans' forum.

"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."

Koeman also revealed that he was interested in bringing Depay to St Mary's in the summer of 2014, only to learn that the forward had decided to remain at Eindhoven for another season. Twelve months later, the Saints found themselves muscled out of the market as United pipped Paris-Saint Germain to sign the player.

"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 and then take the opportunity to play for a foreign club," Koeman noted.

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