Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has been welcomed back to the club’s Carrington training ground this week.
It has been 11 years since the Dutchman fired the Red Devils to their last Premier League title in 2013, and though he left the club two years later, he still holds a close bond with the club.
The 40-year-old was in attendance for United’s 3-0 win over West Ham on Sunday, where he reunited with his former boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
He then went out with United manager Erik ten Hag, where they treated themselves to a four-hour dinner at Italian restaurant Cibo in Hale village.
Now he has been spotted at Carrington to watch a United training session, with the club revealing on their official website that the purpose of his visit is part of his coaching course with the Dutch FA.
Robin van Persie is back at Carrington this week to watch Manchester United in training
The Dutch FA requires coaches to spend time at a foreign club – with Van Persie opting to do so at Manchester United over Arsenal
Van Persie was also spotted going for dinner with Erik ten Hag earlier this week (pictured in February 2023)
The current Feyenoord coach is taking the final steps of his qualifications as he prepares for a potential career in management.
Van Persie will observe first-team sessions this week and conduct workshops with members of staff – to complete a mandatory element of his UEFA Pro License.
As part of the license, the Dutch FA requires coaches to spend time at a foreign club.
He opted to return to United over Arsenal – where he spent eight years and was briefly team-mates with current manager Mikel Arteta.
Van Persie also returned to United back in December where he watched their comeback 3-2 victory over Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa – alongside Dutch compatriot Edwin van der Sar.
Speaking to MUTV at the time, he said: ‘It’s always nice to be back. I feel that (being part of the Manchester United family) not only in the stadium but I feel it in the streets.
‘This afternoon I was walking in Deansgate and the love the Manchester fans still give me is incredible.’
Van Persie also visited Carrington in December 2022 to learn from coaching staff including Benni McCarthy during the World Cup.
The former striker scored 26 Premier League goals to fire the Red Devils to their last title – in Ferguson’s final year in charge – back in 2013.
