Ex-Arsenal and Manchester United hero Robin van Persie lands first ever managerial job after retirement in 2019

Arsenal and Manchester United star Robin van Persie, who announced his retirement as a player in 2019, has taken up his first managerial job. The 40-year-old Dutchman has been appointed as the manager of Eredivisie club SC Heerenveen.

Van Persie served as a co-head coach for the U18/U19 team of his boyhood club Feyenoord in the 2023-2024 campaign, where he also spent his last season as a player before hanging up his boots.

The former striker spoke about his new role and said (via Daily Mail):

"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."

Speaking about the Dutch club, Van Persie added:

"Heerenveen is a very nice Eredivisie club with a rich tradition and loyal supporters."

Robin van Persie started his senior career with Feyenoord in 2001 and continued with them till 2004, following which he joined Arsenal. The Dutchman played for the Gunners for eight years, winning the 2004–05 FA Cup and the 2004 FA Community Shield.

Van Persie then moved to Old Trafford in 2012 and during his three-year stint, he bagged the 2012–13 Premier League and the 2013 FA Community Shield. He is also the all-time top scorer for the Netherlands men's national team.

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Manchester United reportedly join Arsenal in the race to sign 25-year-old Ligue star

Manchester United are reportedly keen on signing Arsenal target Youssouf Fofana, who has not ruled out leaving AS Monaco this summer (via Attacking Football). The 25-year-old midfielder has impressed at Louis II Stadium and is in contention to be named in Didier Deschamps' France squad for Euro 2024.

Manchester United may have to pay around £25 million to sign Fofana who has a year left on his contract. The Frenchman is being eyed by multiple European giants including Arsenal, PSG, Atletico Madrid, and AC Milan, as per Foot Mercato.

Fofana left the door open regarding a potential Monaco exit this summer. He told Get French Football News:

"We haven't yet spoken about it with the sporting director. He will allow me to finish the season so that there aren't too many things in my head and if I then go to the Euros with the France national team, we will speak about it upon my return. We haven't dwelt on it."