Ten Hag lines up Van Persie as coach but still worried about job

ROBIN VAN PERSIE is being lined up for a return to Manchester United as part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff.

Ten Hag has offered the former United title winner a role as a possible coaching assistant.

The Ajax manager, however, who is in talks with United about the manager’s job, wants several issues resolved before accepting the role. He also has an offer from a leading Bundesliga club.

Ajax are the epitome of a modern side, pressing high and full of energy, so Ten Hag will want to know what plans the club have for Cristiano Ronaldo and other older players unable to play in such a system. Senior figures at the club have already concluded that Ronaldo should be encouraged to leave in the summer.

Steve McClaren is expected to be Ten Hag’s No2 if he accepts the job, with his current assistant Mitchell van der Gaag also coming in.

Van Perise, who won the title in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in 2012-13, is coaching at Feyenoord and has family ties in Holland but is considering the offer.