Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has spoken about the influence of Robin van Persie on his squad.

The Dutchman, an ex-Arsenal and United forward, was present during mid-season training at Carrington.

The two countrymen were getting to know each other during that time, with ten Hag allowing van Persie to gain experience as part of his coaching badge work.

Ten Hag told reporters, per the club website: ''I think it's always great to have such icons in.

“While he did fantastic here at Manchester United, I think he is also an icon for the fans and our players can learn a lot from him. His experience, his skill and he did some exercises with our strikers, they loved it, to be involved him. We want to help Robin van Persie.

“He is now planning a management career, so we give him the opportunity to look around, get experiences and hopefully it will help him to construct his career.

“He is really fanatic, and he really consists of the fact he wants to become a manager. He is taking the right steps, and one day, he will be a manager.''