Feyenoord coach Robin van Persie has rejected a return to Manchester United.

Ajax coach Erik ten Hag is favourite to land the United job and has already begun thinking about his backroom staff by earmarking fellow Dutchman van Persie for a role and that initial talks had been held.

ESPN says 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.

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.