When Erik ten Hag was announced as Manchester United’s new manager, there was much speculation as to what sort of goals the manager would pursue during the summer transfer window.
Another interesting aspect that the media wanted to find out was what would be the composition of his backroom staff with many prominent stars linked to a role.
Among the most famous names linked with a managerial role is former United striker Robin van Persie.
The former Dutch international had revealed that, despite Ten Hag’s insistence, he chose to stay in his homeland to be close to his family.
RVP rejected ETH
“In London, when I was playing for Arsenal, we moved five times,” van Persie said. “We also lived in Manchester and Istanbul.
“In total, we were out for almost fourteen years. But then we think ‘what’s good for the kids now?’ and I felt that a little stability would be nice”, RVP. as it was popularly called, he was quoted as saying.
He is currently an assistant to Dick Advocaat at the youth club Feyenoord, which is currently the leader of the Eredivisie.
Ultimately, Ten Hag turned to former Treble-winning coach Steven McClaren and Mitchell van der Gaag to assemble his backroom team.
Van Persie was seen in Manchester as he continues to work on his coaching badges.
The former Arsenal striker and United manager had dined at Tattu Chinese restaurant in Spinningfields, along with his agent Kees Vos, on Monday night.
Learning from the best ????#MUFC https://t.co/IltUHFRobp pic.twitter.com/uslhSvzPFU
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 13, 2022
As The Manchester Evening News reported, “Ten Hag, Van Persie and Vos were photographed arguing as they walked through Manchester city center after a three-hour meal.”
“United sources have emphasized that Van Persie is not lining up to join their coaching staff and that Ten Hag is simply helping a friend of the club with his career development.”
The former Premier League winner was also photographed in Carrington spending time with Ten Hag and his coaching staff, including first team manager Benni McCarthy, and the United squad.
training badges
United’s website uploaded an image showing Van Persie alongside rising stars Alejandro Garnacho and Uruguay World Cup star Facundo Pellistri.
Van Persie, who spent eight years at Premier League rivals Arsenal, made the sensational move to United in 2012 and led the Red Devils to their latest Premier League crown.
The Dutch hitman spent three seasons at Old Trafford during which he scored 58 times in 105 appearances. He left the Reds for Fenerbahce with whom he made an emotional comeback at Old Trafford during a Europa League tie.
There is still a chance that, due to the good relationship shared between the former striker and the current manager, Van Persie could return to United as first-team manager in the future.
