Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has been confirmed as the new head coach of Dutch side SC Heerenveen in what is his first managerial role.
The 40-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the Eredivisie side after reportedly turning down the opportunity to manage Feyenoord’s U21 team. The former striker has worked as a youth coach for the club since 2021 and led the U18s last season.
He was however keen to take a first-team management position. Van Persie has been in talks with Heerenveen, who are currently 10th in the top Dutch division, for a few weeks and the club have now confirmed his appointment.
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The former striker’s management debut comes just months after he returned to Carrington to observe training sessions as part of his UEFA Pro Licence badge. Current United forward Rasmus Hojlund is said to have sought advice from the former player.
Responding to his appointment as head coach of Heerenveen, Van Persie told the club’s official website: “I would like to continue my development and the role of head coach fits in perfectly with that goal.”
“I am therefore pleased with the opportunity that Heerenveen offers me. Heerenveen is a very nice Eredivisie club with a rich tradition and loyal supporters.
“It is a fantastic challenge to contribute to the sporting ambitions and development of the club as head coach.”
Van Persie spent three years as a player at Old Trafford after moving from Premier League rivals Arsenal in 2012. During his time at the club he played 105 times, scoring 58 goals and providing 15 assists.
He was part of the United squad that lifted the Premier League trophy back in 2012/13. During that campaign, he scored a total of 30 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions.
In 2022 , Van Persie turned down the chance to return to United as part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching team. He explained the reason behind his decision to stay in the Netherlands: “My son and daughter are important right now,” Van Persie told Life After Football. “The fact that they have both found their passion is great. A hobby is nice, but you hope that they really find a passion.
“Dina succeeded in doing that with horse riding, she’s totally into it, and Shaqueel has the same thing with soccer. My wife, Bouchra, is developing all her talents with our projects and that’s great to see. We’re enjoying ourselves together.”
He added: “In London, when I played at Arsenal, we moved five times, we also lived in Manchester and Istanbul. All in all, we were away for almost fourteen years. But then we thought ‘what’s good for the kids now?’ and felt a little stability would be nice.”