Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie started his managerial career this summer after being appointed head coach at Heerenveen.

After hanging up his boots in 2019, Robin van Persie wasted no time getting into coaching. He ended his playing career at Feyenoord and just a year later he became the assistant coach at the Dutch outfit.

He then transitioned to a supporting role as a field coach in 2021 while also taking control of Feyenoord’s Under-16 side, where his son Shaqueel played.

Van Persie then made a step up to the Under-18s side before Heerenveen took a gamble and appointed him as manager this summer.

The Dutchman, who scored 58 goals in all competitions for Manchester United, has retained a great connection to the club and returned to Carrington frequently to complete his coaching badges. Rasmus Hojlund spent time working with Van Persie during his last visit.

Robin van Persie suffers record-breaking defeat

Van Persie was handed an extremely difficult start to his managerial career with a trip to Ajax as his first league game.

A 1-0 loss was not the end of the world, however, and Van Persie then led Heerenveen to a 1-1 draw with Utrecht followed by a 4-0 win over NAC.

However, Heerenveen’s trip to face AZ Alkmaar on Saturday afternoon quickly turned into a disaster.

Van Persie’s side lost 9-1 with former Tottenham Hotspur striker Troy Parrott scoring four goals.

His side were only trailing 2-1 at half-time but they capitulated after the break with Parrott scoring three times in 10 minutes. AZ Alkmaar broke the record for their biggest-ever win in the Eredivisie.

Van Persie has been criticised for “playing with fire” with his tactics, with the Dutchman preferring a high-risk style of play. His tactical setup seemed to backfire massively against AZ Alkmaar and it is clear that he still has a lot to learn.

Robin van Persie snubbed Erik ten Hag offer

After keeping a close relationship with Manchester United and working on his coaching badges at Carrington, RVP was offered a coaching role at the club by Erik ten Hag.

He turned down the job offer because his family was settled in the Netherlands, and it seems his sights were firmly set on a managerial role anyway.

Ten Hag has preferred to surround himself with Dutch coaches in his backroom staff with Mitchell van der Gaag initially joining as his assistant before he left this summer to pursue a head coach role elsewhere.

Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake were brought in as part of a backroom overhaul this summer to join Ten Hag.

Van Persie decided against an Old Trafford return, but he may regret it if it turns out that he jumped into management too soon.

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