Erik ten Hag opens talks with Manchester United legend over assistant role

Erik ten Hag has spoken to Manchester United legend Robin van Persie about a return to Old Trafford this summer to form part of his coaching set-up.

The Ajax boss is the leading contender for the manager’s role at the Theatre of Dreams and he impressed club officials during an interview with the board last month.

Though Mauricio Pochettino is competing with Ten Hag for the role, the Dutchman is not wasting any time to prepare for a move to the north-west if he lands the job.

Ten Hag wants to bring his coaching set-up with him wherever he goes this summer but the Mirror say he’s spoken to Van Persie about a return to Old Trafford to form part of his backroom staff.

Van Persie spent three years at United, guiding the club to their last league title in 2013 after a £22m move from Arsenal in 2012.

Ten Hag wants someone with knowledge of the club to form part of his coaching set-up and Van Persie is still revered at Old Trafford.

However, though Van Persie would be keen on accepting the role, his son has just started at Feyenoord’s academy and is working alongside his father at the club.

Van Persie is currently working with the U16s at his former club as he works towards his coaching badges.

The Dutch legend also has his daughter, Dina, to consider as she’s considered one of the finest showjumping talents in the Netherlands.

United had originally thought they’d have to pay around £5m in compensation to hire Ten Hag but a clause in the Dutchman’s contract means that fee would be more like £1.5m.

In a wide-ranging interview this week, Ten Hag was asked about the United job and though he did not deny talks, he says he’s focused on the end of the season at Ajax.

‘My focus is currently only on Ajax, but in football you never