Robin van Persie cheekily names one team Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag doesn’t want in last 16
Robin van Persie has playfully implied that there is a particular team that Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, would prefer to avoid facing in the Europa League’s last 16.
In the knockout round play-off tie against Barcelona at Old Trafford, United initially trailed but recovered in the second half with impressive performances from Fred and Antony, resulting in a 2-1 victory (4-3 overall).
United now eagerly anticipate Friday’s round-of-16 draw, and despite Ten Hag’s statement claiming that he is unconcerned about his team’s next opponent, Van Persie remains unconvinced.
Asked if he has thought about who United might face in the last 16, Ten Hag told BT Sport: “It doesn’t matter for me!
“I focus on Newcastle United [in the Carabao Cup final], that is the only thing that counts. Doesn’t matter who will come, we have to beat them all, we know that, if you want to win a cup.
“We will see. We will respect every opponent, don’t get me wrong. But we are well prepared and we have strong belief we can do it.”
Van Persie interrupted and joked: “I believe Erik wants to face any team except for one. Which team is that? Feyenoord!” Ten Hag chuckled and replied that he seeks Van Persie’s input, but he also acknowledged that facing Feyenoord could be a possibility. Van Persie, who now works as a coach for Feyenoord, would not have any conflicting allegiances if the two clubs were to meet in the competition.
Asked who he would be rooting for if the two sides were drawn against each other, the Dutchman replied: “I work for Feyenoord now! And Feyenoord is my childhood team so.. difficult one.
“Listen, Manchester United won so many things over the years, let Feyenoord win this one then!’
In the upcoming round, Manchester United can be matched against any of the seeded teams who won their respective groups in the Europa League, except for Arsenal due to them being from the same association.
This implies that Feyenoord, Real Betis, Fenerbahce, Ferencvaros, Freiburg, Union Saint-Gilloise, and previous group opponents Real Sociedad are all potential opponents and could be selected in Friday’s draw.
Robin van Persie cheekily names one team Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag doesn’t want in last 16
