Ex-Arsenal and Man Utd striker Robin van Persie set for first managerial job

Former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is close to reaching an agreement to manage Heerenveen, according to reports in the Netherlands.

Since ending his playing career in 2019, Van Persie has worked as a coach for his former club Feyenoord at youth level.

Van Persie has been coaching Feyenoord’s Under-18s and Under-19s this season but is understood to have rejected an offer from the Dutch club to manage the Under-21s in favour of a first-team role.

According to AD, Van Persie has held several rounds of talks with Heerenveen and both parties are keen to reach an agreement soon.

The report claims that Heerenveen had initially targeted Maurice Steijn and Rick Kruys as potential candidates for their managerial role but have now made Van Persie their first-choice target after the former Netherlands striker impressed during talks.

Heerenveen currently sit 10th in the Eredivisie and 12 points above a relegation play-off place, but have registered just one win in their last six league games.

Van Persie, meanwhile, returned to Manchester United in February to help complete his UEFA Pro Licence coaching course at the club’s training ground.

Van Persie spent three days at Carrington where he observed United’s training sessions with Erik ten Hag and his assistant Mitchell van der Gaag.

He also attended United’s 3-0 win against West Ham and caught up with his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.