The reason why Van Persie was spotted with Ten Hag at Carrington amid Man Utd coaching role speculation

The reason behind the appearance of former Manchester United star Robin van Persie at the club's training ground this week has been been revealed.

Van Persie was one of Sir Alex Ferguson's final signings as United manager in 2012, and helped the Red Devils to win the Premier League title in his first season.

The Dutchman, who joined from rivals Arsenal, netted 26 goals and played in all 38 games in that campaign. Although he struggled to impress afterwards, his contributions to what remains United's most recent league title made him a club icon.

Van Persie left Old Trafford in 2015 to join Turkish giants Fenerbahce, before retiring back at Dutch side Feyenoord - the club where he started his professional career.

Since 2020, he has worked as a striker coach at Feyenoord. Arne Slot's side are currently top of the Eredivisie, having scored 49 goals in 22 games.

Van Persie did, however, reject an offer from Erik ten Hag to become part of the United coaching staff last summer.

And images of the Dutchman at Carrington this week have fuelled speculation that he might be assisting with training, or similar. But the real reason behind his appearance has now been revealed.

Why is Van Persie at the Man Utd training ground?

Van Persie is at Old Trafford on business involving Ten Hag - but it is not to do with a potential coaching role.

Instead, as per the Manchester Evening News, Van Persie is interviewing the United boss for BT Sport, with the interview set to air on the channel's pre-match show before Thursday's Europa League play-off clash against Barcelona.

Robin Van Persie back at Man Utd training ground today #MUFC @MirrorFootball pic.twitter.com/JmUHF0ar6Z

— David McDonnell (@DiscoMirror) February 22, 2023

He was spotted during Ten Hag's pre-match press conference, and will be putting questions of his own to his compatriot ahead of the mouth-watering clash.

His agent, Kees Vos, who represents both Van Persie and Ten Hag, is also in Manchester.

Once the match is completed, the former United striker will resume his role at Feyenoord, where he is looking to help his side win the Eredivisie title for the second time in this century.