Ex-Man Utd and Arsenal star Robin van Persie fired by Feyenoord

Van Persie has been fired by Feyenoord.

Former Manchester United and Arsenal star Robin van Persie has been fired by Feyenoord after less than 18 months. The Dutchman was appointed by the Eredivisie side in February last year.

And despite having led the club to third and second in his two seasons, that has still not been satisfactory for the club’s current decision makers. They confirmed that Van Persie had been fired in a statement on Sunday.

It read: “Feyenoord will begin the 2026-2027 season with a new head coach. Robin van Persie was informed of this decision today during a meeting with the club’s management.”

Technical Director Dévy Rigaux added: “Robin van Persie has given everything for the club over the past 18 months. He deserves credit for guiding the team through a challenging season and ultimately securing second place. That ensured qualification for the UEFA Champions League, which is of great importance to the club.

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We conducted a thorough internal evaluation in which we looked at several factors, including the development of the team’s performances and the downward trend in points collected, both in Europe and in the Eredivisie. The conclusion was that it would be better to start the new season with a new head coach.

Van Persie has had three separate spells with Feyenoord, having commenced his playing career with the Dutch side. He left in 2004 for Arsenal and went on to represent Manchester United and Fenerbahce before returning to Feyenoord in 2018.

He retired in 2019 following a season-and-a-half with his former club. He stayed with the side as an assistant to Dick Advocaat.

Van Persie was handed his first managerial role with Herenveen in 2024 but he lasted just a solitary season before leaving for Feyenoord once more after nine wins from his first 26 games.

Robin van Persie was only appointed by Feyenoord last year

The now 42-year-old will now kick off his search for his next club, having previously returned to Manchester under Erik ten Hag to work on his coaching badges. He is far from the only former Man United player to have moved into management.

Michael Carrick is currently Red Devils’ boss after earning the job on a permanent basis. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ruud van Nistelrooy are also among those to have swapped their boots for a tactics board over recent years, with each having managed United.

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