Van Persie 'TURNS DOWN opportunity to work as coach under Ten Hag at Man United'

Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has reportedly decided against taking up the chance to be a coach under Erik ten Hag at the club.

Sportsmail revealed earlier this week the Ajax boss is closing in on being appointed as the new permanent manager at Old Trafford, with talks underway to secure his release.

Reports then claimed ten Hag had already began thinking about his backroom staff by earmarking fellow Dutchman van Persie for a role and that initial talks had been held.

But according to ESPN via Soccer News, the 38-year-old - who fired United to their most recent Premier League title in Sir Alex Ferguson's final season at the club nearly a decade ago - has rejected the advances of his compatriot.

The report claims the former Arsenal striker is more than happy with his current role as an assistant and striker coach at Eredivisie giants Feyenoord, where the former Holland international began his club career.

The same outlet claims family has also been a factor in van Persie - who is currently taking his coaching badges - turning down the move, with son Shaqueel currently enrolled in the youth academy at Feyenoord.

During his time with the Red Devils, Van Persie netted 58 goals in 105 appearances and won the Golden Boot in 2013 after a £24million move from Arsenal the previous summer.

But the latest news would represent a significant blow to ten Hag, though former United coach Rene Meulensteen, ex-England manager Steve McClaren and current Lyon boss Peter Bosz remain reported options as possible assistants.

According to the Guardian, McClaren is under consideration to be prospective manager Ten Hag's assistant if he is appointed as their new man in the dugout for next season.

The pair know each other well with Ten Hag having been McClaren's assistant for the 2008-09 season at Dutch outfit Twente.

Meanwhile, other reports suggest ten Hag's current head of performance Alessandro Schoenmaker could join him at Old Trafford, with the Brazilian having served in a variety of roles related to performance, fitness and conditioning at Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Derby County in the past.

But ten Hag also received a boost from United interim manager Ralf Rangnick, who hailed him as a 'top, top manager'.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Everton, Rangnick said: 'I think this press conference is for tomorrow's game. I don't tend to speak about any new possible manager.

'What I know about all the managers the club has spoken to so far are top managers, top coaches, and if this includes Erik ten Hag it is also true of him.

'That's all I can say about that at this stage. For me it's about preparing for tomorrow's game.'