Erik ten Hag Will Not Want To Face Feyenoord – Robin Van Persie

Former Manchester United and Netherlands striker, Robin van Persie, has hinted that his fellow countryman, Ajax coach Erik ten Hag, would not relish the prospect of facing Feyenoord in the last 16 of the Europa League.

Manchester United secured their place in the next round of the competition with a 2-1 win over Barcelona at Old Trafford, following a 2-2 draw in the first leg at Camp Nou. The draw for the last 16 will take place on Friday.

Speaking to Ten Hag in a post-match interview on BT Sport, Van Persie asked the Ajax coach if he had a preference for the team he would like to face in the next round. Ten Hag responded by saying that he was not fussy and would take any team that comes his way. However, Van Persie suggested that there was one team that Ten Hag would not want to face – Feyenoord.

Ten Hag laughed off the suggestion, but acknowledged that Van Persie, who now coaches at Feyenoord, might have inside knowledge about the team. He said, “I go to Robin to get all the information! No, I think it’s a possibility.”

Van Persie retired from professional football in 2019 and has been coaching at Feyenoord ever since. The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker has always maintained a strong connection with his former club, Feyenoord, where he began his professional career.

It remains to be seen whether Ajax will indeed face Feyenoord in the last 16 of the Europa League, but the suggestion from Van Persie has certainly added an extra element of intrigue to the upcoming draw.