Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is said to have turned down the opportunity to work as a coach at the club under Erik ten Hag
The Ajax manager is close to being named the new permanent manager at Old Trafford, according to Sportsmail, and talks to obtain his release are underway.
According to reports, ten Hag had already begun thinking about his backroom staff, earmarking fellow Dutchman Robin van Persie for a role, and had held preliminary negotiations.
The 38-year-old, who led United to their most recent Premier League victory in Sir Alex Ferguson's final season at the club nearly a decade ago, has reportedly turned down his compatriot's approaches, according to ESPN through Soccer News.
According to the article, the former Arsenal striker is content in his current post as an assistant and striker coach at Eredivisie giants Feyenoord, where he began his professional career.
According to the same publication, family was also a part in van Persie's decision to decline the move, as his son Shaqueel is presently enrolled in Feyenoord's youth academy.
After joining the Red Devils for £24 million from Arsenal the previous summer, Van Persie scored 58 goals in 105 appearances and won the Golden Boot in 2013.
The newest revelation, however, would be a major setback for ten Hag, even though former United coach Rene Meulensteen, former England manager Steve McClaren, and current Lyon manager Peter Bosz have all been mentioned as possible assistants.
According to the Guardian, if Ten Hag is hired as the club's new manager for next season, McClaren is being considered as Ten Hag's assistant.
Ten Hag was McClaren's assistant at Twente in the 2008-09 season, therefore the two are familiar with each other.
Meanwhile, other rumors say that Alessandro Schoenmaker, ten Hag's current head of performance, could join him at Old Trafford. The Brazilian has previously held positions in performance, fitness, and conditioning at Newcastle, Crystal Palace, and Derby County.
Ten Hag, on the other hand, received praise from United temporary manager Ralf Rangnick, who described him as a "great, top boss."
Rangnick stated ahead of Saturday's Premier League match against Everton: 'I believe this news conference is for tomorrow's game.'
I'm not one to talk about a potential new boss.
'All of the managers the club has spoken to so far have been great managers and top coaches, and the same can be said about Erik ten Hag.
'At this point, that's all I have to say about it.'
It's all about getting ready for tomorrow's game for me.'
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