Erik ten Hag's stance on Manchester United 'icons' visiting training after Robin van Persie

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has insisted all former players are welcome back at Carrington and he will try and help progress their future careers.

Ten Hag offered the invitation out on Sunday after a week which saw one ex-striker return to the United training ground. Robin van Persie was pictured watching a first-team training session from the sidelines, leading some fans to question why the former United hero was in attendance.

It transpired that Van Persie is currently in the midst of taking his UEFA Pro Licence coaching badges, and part of this experience requires the 40-year-old to observe different sessions. To gain this experience, the current Feyenoord academy coach returned to the North West.

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Asked about Van Persie's return by MUTV, Ten Hag insisted he was pleased to see his fellow countryman back at Carrington, stating: "So, every player for Manchester United from the past is welcome, and we want to help them.

"We go to serve them and so for his Pro Licence and to learn, it's good to have him around here. I hope he has carried a lot of information which will help him in the future, but of course, also to pass his Pro Licence.

"It's great to have such, say, icons of Manchester United around. And as I said, also others are very welcome. We want to help them. I think we have a lot of experience here and a lot of competencies. So then we can learn from each other. And so, we are happy to do this."

Van Persie is by no means the first ex-United player to return to gain coaching experience. Earlier in the season, Phil Jones returned to Carrington to observe academy