Van Persie to reject Ten Hag’s Man Utd offer but two ex-club staff could accept

Erik ten Hag looks set to be disappointed in his efforts to take Robin van Persie to Manchester United as part of his coaching team.

The Ajax boss is poised to leave the Eredivisie at the end of the season to become the new manager at Old Trafford after being made their preferred target. The 52-year-old appears to have beaten the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Julen Lopetegui to the post.

It means Ralf Rangnick will step down from his role as interim manager to move into a consultancy role at the club. But Ten Hag might have to look elsewhere in order to complete his backroom team.

According to the Daily Mail, the former Bayern Munich II boss wants to bring two assistant coaches with him to Old Trafford. The first is his current No. 2 at Ajax, Michael van der Gaag.

And while that appointment looks set in stone, his second has been left in pieces with Ten Hag preferring someone who knows the club well. Van Persie had been identified as the ideal choice.

But the former striker – who played for United for three years – has rejected the role as he would prefer to stay at Feyenoord's academy for the time being. The Dutchman's son plays for the club's youth team and he does not want to uproot his family.

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It is a big blow to Ten Hag and his plans but he already has alternatives in mind. It has been further reported that the Dutchman is now weighing up a move to bring either Steve McClaren back to the club or Rene Meulensteen.

Both have worked as assistant managers at Old Trafford in the past under Sir Alex Ferguson, who would likely give his seal of approval. While Ten Hag has a close bond with McClaren having worked with him at FC Twente.

Ten Hag has been coy over reports that he will take over United at the end of the season and shut down talk in a recent press conference. When asked about the recent rumours, he said: “I am not afraid. I will repeat myself one more time. Do you have questions about the cup final? About Ajax?"

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