Former coach suggest reason behind Depay’s struggle

Mark Scott
Memphis Depay: Is Lyon the best fit?

Memphis Depay: Is Lyon the best fit?

Former PSV manager Fred Rutten has said Memphis Depay’s tough upbringing could be why he is struggling to adapt at Manchester United.

The Dutchman is struggling for game time after making his £25million switch from PSV and Rutten believes there may be some homesickness involved as he is away from his mother.

“He has a very good relationship with his mother and I think that’s part of it,” he told the Manchester Evening News. “But he’s still young – young players take time to develop.

“Twenty years ago, they had much more time to impress; now they have to [perform immediately].”

Rutten also suggested that another move away may help Depay’s career in the long term and would not necessarily spell the end for him at Old Trafford.

“Sometimes, young players, they switch clubs and then you see them come back,” he said.

“There’s still big young players who leave the club and in one moment they are back again and they can develop more. I believe in the boy.”

Everton have been the main club linked with making a loan move for Depay and fellow countryman Ronald Koeman has gone on record several times expressing his admiration.