Robin van Persie and Edwin van der Sar were back at Old Trafford last night following partial takeover

Robin van Persie and Edwin van der Sar made a much-talked-about return to Old Trafford for Manchester United's Boxing Day fixture against Aston Villa.

In the build-up to Tuesday's clash at Old Trafford, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed a deal to purchase a minority stake in Manchester United.

Ratcliffe, a boyhood United supporter, signed a deal that will see his INEOS Group pay around £1.25 billion to buy 25 per cent of the Premier League club.

The 71-year-old will have an influence over the sporting side of the business, as well as its much-talked-about recruitment strategy.

After the deal was announced publicly, Ratcliffe's right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford was in the stands to watch United's clash against Aston Villa.

Brailsford, who will be on a three-man committee running the football operations at Old Trafford, watched on as goals from Alejandro Garnacho [2] and Rasmus Hojlund sealed a dramatic 3-2 win.

He was also joined by former Manchester United pair Robin van Persie and Edwin van der Sar – and speculation soon began on social media that the pair were being lined up as possible backroom staff members.

Van der Sar, who previously worked with manager Erik ten Hag in the Netherlands, stepped down from his role as Ajax's chief executive officer in May.

Van Persie, meanwhile, is currently coaching the Feyenoord youth team. The former United striker opened up about his visit in an interview with MUTV before kick-off.

"It’s always nice to be back. 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," he said.

"Obviously, it was a bit of a coincidence that I’m here now with my wife and friends.

"When I looked at the schedule I was like if I can pick that game, I will pick that game because of course our sort of shared memories we have against Villa.

"It was one of the most special nights personally as a Manchester United player. Villa is doing well this year so it’s a nice game to watch."

Van Persie said his visit was a "coincidence" amid the takeover but that didn't stop fans from speculating.

As mentioned earlier, Manchester United secured a dramatic 3-2 win against Unai Emery's side after they came from 2-0 down.