Robin van Persie has been named Heerenveen head coach – the former Manchester United and Arsenal striker’s first managerial post.

The 40-year-old hung up his boots after in 2019 after a spell back with boyhood club Feyenoord, where the ex-Netherlands international eventually moved into coaching.

Van Persie has spent this season in charge of the Dutch side’s Under-18s and now takes his first post as manager at Eredivisie outfit Heerenveen.

‘I would like to continue my development and the role of head coach fits in perfectly with that goal,’ the former striker said. ‘I am therefore pleased with the opportunity that Heerenveen offers me.

‘Heerenveen is a very nice Eredivisie club with a rich tradition and loyal supporters.

‘It is a fantastic challenge to contribute to the sporting ambitions and development of the club as head coach.’

In February, he returned to Man United’s training base Carrington, as part of his coaching course with the Dutch FA, which required some time with a foreign club.

Van Persie observed first-team sessions and conducted workshops with members of staff, to complete a mandatory element of his UEFA Pro License.

He also had dinner with Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag and the manager’s agent whilst he was conducting his training in Manchester.

The Dutchman spent eight years at Arsenal between 2004 and 2012, and then spent three seasons at Manchester United, before leaving the Premier League in 2015.

After hanging up his boots, van Persie rejected an offer from ten Hag to be part of his backroom staff at Man United in 2022, stating that he wanted to stay in Holland with his family.