Memphis Depay failed to make the grade at Manchester United because he was too young when he joined the club from PSV Eindhoven.
That's according to the Dutchman's manager at international level, Ronald Koeman, who has been impressed with the 25-year-old's performances since he took over as Netherlands boss last year.
Depay scored just seven goals in 53 appearances for United after joining the club in the summer of 2015 and was sold by Jose Mourinho in January 2017.
He has since got his career back on track in France with Lyon and was linked with a return to the Premier League with Tottenham earlier this week.
"I think he's a top player and maybe during his time at Manchester United he was a little bit too young," Koeman said.
"He's now more experienced and what he's showed and what he has done for the national team is great and I'm really glad that we have that kind of player in our national team."
Lyon's director of football Juninho reminded United fans last week that the Reds inserted a buy-back clause in Depay's deal when the forward moved to Lyon.
"Manchester United has the priority if several clubs line up to buy him," Juninho said.
"But we have not received any offers so far. He is really happy right now in Lyon.
"Rudi (Garcia) will soon make his decision. He is a technical leader. We will discuss an extension of contract by the end of the year."
