As reported by The Daily Mail, former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is said to have turned down the opportunity to work as a coach under Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
According to reports earlier this week, Ten Hag, who is presently the coach of Ajax, is close to being named Man United’s next permanent manager and may explore bringing Van Persie on board as part of his coaching team.
Van Persie, who led Man United to their most recent Premier League title in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season at Old Trafford over a decade ago, has turned down Ten Hag’s offers.
The 38-year-old is focused on his current post as an assistant and player-coach at Feyenoord, where he began his professional career.
It was also revealed that van Persie’s decision was influenced by his family, as his son Shaqueel is presently enrolled in Feyenoord’s youth academy.
The Dutch striker scored 58 goals in 105 games for Manchester United during his stint at Old Trafford. After a £24 million move from Arsenal the previous summer, the former Netherlands international earned the Golden Boot again in 2013 with the Red Devils.
If Erik ten Hag is hired as the team’s new manager for next season, McClaren is being considered for the position of assistant manager. The current Ajax manager was McClaren’s assistant at Twente in the 2008-09 season, therefore the two are familiar with each other.
