Van Persie gives lowdown on Ten Hag rejection and why Man Utd is perfect for new manager

Robin van Persie has revealed that he rejected an offer to work with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United to focus on his family instead.

Ten Hag is ushering in a new era at Old Trafford, looking to return the club to its former heights. He has laid the foundations well, with long-term Ajax assistant Mitchell van der Gaag also making the move to Manchester.

Steve McClaren, a former Red Devils assistant who worked with Ten Hag at FC Twente, has reunited with the Dutchman.

However, Ten Hag had offered Van Persie – another fellow Dutchman – a move back to Man Utd. The former striker is at Feyenoord completing his coaching badges following his retirement.

Still, Van Persie rejected the move and has now opened up on his decision in Life After Football magazine.

“My son and daughter are important right now,” the 38-year-old said. “The fact that they have both found their passion is great. A hobby is nice, but you hope that they really find a passion.

“Dina succeeded in doing that with horse riding, she’s totally into it, and Shaqueel has the same thing with soccer. My wife, Bouchra, is developing all her talents with our projects and that’s great to see. We’re enjoying ourselves together.

“In London, when I played at Arsenal, we moved five times. We also lived in Manchester and Istanbul. All in all, we were away for almost 14 years. But then we thought ‘what’s good for the kids now?’ and felt a little stability would be nice.”

However, he nevertheless insisted that Ten Hag is likely to enjoy life in England as much as he did.

Van Persie backs Ten Hag for Man Utd

“The respect of the fans is enormous,” Van Persie added. “When I came back a few years later with Fenerbahce, after winning the league with United and Sir Alex, I still got a gigantic appreciation from the people.

“Dick Advocaat, our coach at Fenerbahce, recognized that. He experienced it at Rangers in Scotland. He said to me ‘For the rest of your life you will be appreciated here [at United]’ and he was absolutely right.

“England is a great country to live in. The people are warm and friendly. It’s a 40-minute flight from Rotterdam, but you end up in a totally different world. A very beautiful world.

“The football also suited me enormously. I continue to think it’s the most beautiful league in the world. The fields are like green pool tables. All the stadiums are big and always full – and England absolutely breathes soccer.”

Ten Hag has solid foundations

Despite not snapping up Van Persie, Ten Hag still has solid foundations with his current Man Utd set-up.

McClaren has vast history of managing in England. While he has had lows in his career in the dugout, those moments have nevertheless made him more experienced.

Meanwhile, Van der Gaag is a good friend of Ten Hag’s who will provide crucial input.

Van Persie will no doubt have ambitions of becoming a top manager in the future, but he has chosen to focus on life at Feyenoord instead.

Despite that, Ten Hag can look forward to his exciting new era at Old Trafford.