RvP returns to Carrington to watch United training

The Dutchman spent some time at Carrington in December at the invitation of Erik ten Hag, as he continues to study for his coaching badges with a view to working more in that field.

Van Persie has returned to the training ground this week to interview the manager for Europa League broadcaster BT Sport, whose live coverage of Thursday’s match will begin at 19:00 GMT. 

As you can see in the video below, Robin was greeted warmly by his former United team-mate Darren Fletcher and the rest of our coaching staff. 

The Premier League title winner then embraced all of our players as they walked out, including two more ex-colleagues in David De Gea and Luke Shaw.

RvP was also delighted to see his fellow Dutch striker Wout Weghorst, and Tyrell Malacia, who he played with at Feyenoord.

TWO LEGENDS IN A WEEK

Van Persie’s attendance follows hot on the heels of his former United team-mate Rio Ferdinand watching training on Monday. 

The former centre-back also returned in his role for BT Sport, to conduct an interview with Bruno Fernandes that will air on Thursday ahead of kick-off. 

Speaking later that day on his Vibe With Five podcast, Rio admitted that he loved the positive culture that Ten Hag has cultivated this season. 

“The vibes at Carrington and Old Trafford have changed dramatically,” he said. “It’s become more positive, the ambience in the place. The cafeteria has even changed. It’s like everything has changed. Looks different, feels different, food’s different.

“I was on my own, walking back out through the training ground, through the corridors, and I stood there and just smiled. I can sense something happening in here now. I don’t what it is or where it’s going to but the ambience is very different. There’s a confidence in the place.”

ANOTHER DUTCH GREAT IS COMING

United icon and former Treble winner Jaap Stam will appear on MUTV’s Match Day Live programme at Old Trafford from 18:55 GMT on Thursday night.

The fans’ favourite will sit alongside host Mark Sullivan and fellow ex-Red Dion Dublin in our studio to offer his expert analysis on the big game. 

Of course, Stam joined United in 1998 and played in both of our classic 3-3 draws against Barcelona in that season’s Champions League group stage. 

Make sure you tune in to Jaap’s appearance on MUTV from 18:55 GMT.