Robin van Persie reckons that Erik ten Hag 's biggest strength is his capacity to act as Manchester United 's "Prime Minister."
The former United striker spent two days with Ten Hag last month, as the two Dutchmen enjoyed time in Manchester and around the club's Carrington training complex. Van Persie is embarking on his own coaching career and got what he was looking for from the meet-up, as the Red Devils boss not only showed him how to manage a team but also an entire club.
Akin to how Sir Alex Ferguson ruled Old Trafford and not merely the first-team setup, Ten Hag is firmly in charge and going beyond his job description to help bring back the glory days. "The first time [I met Erik] was a couple of weeks ago, when I was here for two days," Van Persie, who previously revealed what he thinks has changed at United after paying them a visit, told the club's website.
"That was the first time actually and the way how open he was towards me… he wants to share his knowledge and he wants to help a young coach. I'm a young coach now. My playing days are gone and I don't think about or dream about actions anymore. I think about tactics and systems and how I can put my team in the best possible way on a football pitch.
"That's how I think now and he gave me some new ideas. I get new ideas everywhere and he was one of them who really opened the doors and I appreciate that. With every exercise there's a clear idea or a clear target to reach for every player. He gave me a lot of good insight to work on, both in possession and when the opponent has the ball."
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The ex-Red Devils marksman and fan favourite quickly noticed Ten Hag's aura at Carrington, likening his role to a politician's. "It almost feels like a Prime Minister, the job he has," Van Persie explained. "I always feel very welcome here at Manchester United and I like to see everyone is polite and everyone is happy to see you. That goes both ways."
While pleasantries are encouraged, Ten Hag knows the value of rules and boundaries. "I have certain rules [that] must be [followed] off the pitch because when there is no discipline in the rules off the pitch, it will transfer on the pitch," he affirmed to BT Sport.
"For me [there are] not many rules because I am working with adults. I am working with players who have won everything already in the world. They know how to win trophies so also they know what to do, which lifestyle they have to do."
