Manchester United players want their former striker Robin van Persie to replace incoming coach Eric ten Hag.
While Hag’s assistant at Ajax, Mitchell van der Gaag is expected to arrive at Old Trafford as well, United want another assistant who has been involved in the Premier League to help the new man adjust to the demands of the English game.
The Times reports that United’s current first-team squad will be keen on Van Persie’s return, although there have been concerns about getting a work permit while he is short of qualifications.
Van Persie has spent most of his career in England, including eight years at Arsenal after he was brought to the country by Arsene Wenger in 2004.
Signed by Sir Alex Ferguson for United in the summer of 2012, the 38-year-old immediately led the club to the Premier League title in 2013, scoring 26 league goals that season.
Van Persie is believed to be reluctant to put family relations in the Netherlands at the forefront of the decision-making process.
Apart from the Dutchman, former United defender Jaap Stam and Steve McClaren have been linked with a role under Ten Hag. The latter – who trained at the club under Sir Alex Ferguson – was Twente’s head coach when Tin Hag was one of their coaches.
