‘Fantastic challenge’ - Man Utd great lands first managerial job

Robin van Persie has landed his first managerial position and has been appointed manager of Dutch side Heerenveen.

The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker, who netted 144 times in 280 Premier League games, has been working with Feyenoord’s senior and youth teams since his retirement in 2019. This season, he has been in charge of the club’s Under-18s and also spent time at Carrington in February, learning from Erik ten Hag and his coaching set-up while completing elements of his UEFA Pro License.

And it was confirmed on Friday that Van Persie will take over Heerenveen ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. The 40-year-old replaces outgoing manager Kees van Wonderen, who announced in March that he would be departing the Eredivisie club at the end of the season.

Speaking after his appointment, Van Persie said he sees this as an excellent opportunity to build on his previous coaching experience.

“The coaching profession is comprehensive and challenging, and I practise it with great passion and pleasure,” he told Heerenveen’s 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 has 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 will work under general manager Ferry de Haan, his former team-mate at Feyenoord, where the ex-forward began his playing career. The club are currently in 10th place in the Eredivisie ahead of this weekend’s final round of games.

Van Persie has also brought a number of staff from Feyenoord, including Nico Romeijn and Yori Bosschaart, while Brian Pinas, Paul Simonis, Henk Brugge and Ruud Hesp have been confirmed in his new coaching set-up at Heerenveen.