The former striker has spent the past few days at Carrington (Picture: Instagram / Man Utd)

Robin van Persie has thanked Erik ten Hag and dubbed him ‘one of the best coaches in modern football’ after being invited back to Manchester United’s Carrington training ground.

The former Netherlands striker, who has been working as a coach at Feyenoord since 2020, was welcomed back to the club this week as he continues to study for his coaching badges.

Explaining his return, United’s website said they are ‘always keen to help former players out and Van Persie is benefiting from spending time with Ten Hag and his squad as he studies for his coaching badges, with a view to working more in this field in the future.

‘Robin has been gaining experience with, and learning from, our coaching staff, including first-team coach Benni McCarthy – another Premier League goal-getter.’

Van Persie, who posed for pictures with the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Pellistri, jumped at the opportunity to see how Ten Hag works and believes the former Ajax boss is one of the very best in the business.

Writing on his Instagram page after his visit to Carrington, Van Persie said: ‘Thanks for the warm welcome Manchester United and Erik ten Hag.

‘Great time back at Carrington for a trip down memory lane and to learn the ropes from one of the best coaches in modern football.’

United had been enjoying a week-long warm-weather training camp in Andalusia but have now returned to the cold, snowy conditions of Carrington as they gear up for the return of the domestic campaign.

Nine United players were knocked out of the tournament in Qatar during the quarter-final stage, largely as a result of Brazil and England’s exits.

Just two players still remain, with Lisandro Martinez already assured of a place in Sunday’s final while Raphael Varane’s France team take on Morocco in the second semi-final on Wednesday evening.

Both players are expected to be given a week off after their exploits at the World Cup, meaning they will not play a part against Burnley in the Carabao Cup in a weeks’ time, while it will be touch and go if they can play any part against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on December 27.

Reflecting on United’s winter camp, Ten Hag said: ‘I think we had a good week, there was a good spirit. The lads worked really well, really hard. Our main objective from the week was better fitness and I think we did it, we made the progress there.

‘Also, we integrated some young lads, integrated them in the way of play and the way of playing with intensity so they can step up. With some of them, I was quite happy, so that is a big win for the future.’

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The former striker has been ‘learning from one of the best coaches in modern football’.