Ten Hag's biggest strength revealed by Van Persie

Stuart Telford

• 17 Mar 2023 17:00 GMT
• 3 min read

Robin Van Persie has been back at Old Trafford as part of his coaching education and has revealed what impressed him most about his compatriot and Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.

Van Persie completed a controversial £24 million transfer from Arsenal to Man Utd in August 2012, and played a key role in Sir Alex Ferguson's final Premier League title win as manager the following year.

Now Van Persie is attempting to follow Ferguson and Ten Hag into management, and he was back at Old Trafford to learn from the latter last month.

READ: 'Be more brave!': Ten Hag challenges Man Utd star after polarising display

"I'm a young coach now. My playing days are gone and I don't think about or dream about actions anymore. I think about tactics and systems and how I can put my team in the best possible way on a football pitch," Van Persie explained to United official club website.

PM Ten Hag?

"That's how I think now and he gave me some new ideas. I get new ideas everywhere and he was one of them who really opened the doors and I appreciate that."

Ten Hag has guided the Red Devils into third in the Premier League this season and led them to their first title in nearly six years in winning the EFL Cup in February. Van Persie thinks he has a special touch.

READ: The two reasons why Van Persie will reject Man United coaching return

"It almost feels like a Prime Minister, the job he has," he said. "I always feel very welcome here at Manchester United and I like to see everyone is polite and everyone is happy to see you. That goes both ways."

Van Persie hit 58 goals in 105 games with United - as well as adding 21 assists - before winding down his playing days with Fenerbahce and Feyenoord, where he had started his career.