Former Manchester United legend and prolific goal scorer, Robin van Persie is set for a new challenge in the Champions League with Dutch club Feyenoord. The Dutchman who had an illustrious career in the Premier League including a decorated short stint at Manchester United is seeking triumph from the touchlines now. According to The Athletic, Feyenoord has reportedly reached an agreement in principle to appoint the Dutch legend as their new head coach, marking a homecoming for the legend who had two different stints with the club as a player where he scored 46 goals in 122 appearances.
Van Persie began his playing career at Feyenoord before moving abroad for an illustrious career. His time at Arsenal established him as a Premier League star but he cemented his place as a Premier League legend when he joined Manchester United in 2012. His time at United saw him winning his only Premier League title alongside a Player of the Year award. After his celebrated stint at Manchester United, van Persie eventually moved on to Turkey before returning to his native Netherlands for a final farewell as a player.
Since his retirement in 2019, van Persie has delved into coaching as he joined Feyenoord to become an assistant coach before managing the club’s youth teams. Eventually, Robin van Persie took his first senior managerial role at Heerenveen in May 2024 where he impressed critics with a 9th-position finish. Now Feyenoord is keen to bring him back to the club where his career first took off.
Feyenoord sees van Persie as a coach who can bring a winning mentality to the team and utilize his experience to turn things for the Dutch club. It is also reported that van Persie’s new coaching staff will include former Manchester United aide Rene Hake. Interestingly, Hake’s former colleague, Erik ten Hag was also speculated to take the Feyenoord job but it seems van Persie got the nod for the job.
With Feyenoord currently sitting fourth in the Eredivisie, van Persie’s appointment could propel the club back onto the big stage. The timing of van Persie’s appointment adds extra intrigue, as a potential Champions League draw against former club Arsenal further intensifies the narrative. Being a United legend, United fans are hopeful that their former star will thrive in the role. However, it is yet to be seen how the Flying Dutchman fares in big stage management.