Robin van Persie confronts furious fans

Manchester United legends are rarely far from the spotlight, even long after their playing days at Old Trafford have ended.

Careers that once delivered trophies and iconic moments now continue under intense scrutiny in dugouts across Europe.

Pressure builds quickly when results turn, particularly at clubs with demanding fanbases and high expectations.

A run of poor form can undo months of goodwill in a matter of weeks.

One former United title winner is now feeling that reality first-hand.

That figure is Robin van Persie, who found himself confronting angry supporters after another damaging defeat for the side he now manages.

The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker, currently in charge at Feyenoord, stepped forward to face furious fans following a dramatic 3-2 home loss to Heerenveen, a result that compounded a miserable spell in the 2025–26 campaign.

The defeat marked Feyenoord’s third consecutive loss across all competitions and effectively ended their hopes of domestic cup success.

Feyenoord had entered the contest hoping to keep silverware alive, but were twice caught out at De Kuip.

They fell behind midway through the first half before Luciano Valente drew them level shortly after the hour mark.

A second setback arrived in the 77th minute, only for parity to be restored again seven minutes from time when Maas Willemsen inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.

Just as it appeared Feyenoord might escape with a point, Danish forward Jacob Trensko struck in the 90th minute to snatch victory for Heerenveen and send the home crowd into uproar.

That frustration has been building.

Feyenoord were beaten 2-0 by Ajax in their previous Eredivisie outing and also suffered a crushing 4-3 Europa League defeat to FCSB, having surrendered a late lead before conceding a decisive 95th-minute goal.

Those results have left the club outside the top 24 in continental competition, while reigning champions PSV have surged nine points clear at the top of the league, leaving Feyenoord’s title ambitions hanging by a thread.

In the aftermath of the latest setback, Robin van Persie climbed over the advertising boards and confronted supporters directly, engaging in a heated exchange as anger poured down from the stands.

Despite the hostility, the former Netherlands international remained composed, with several players joining him in an attempt to defuse the situation.

It was a striking image for a manager who only returned to the club in February, having represented Feyenoord twice during his playing career.

Van Persie, who famously won the Premier League title with Manchester United after his controversial move from Arsenal in 2012, has recorded 21 wins from 38 matches in charge, alongside 15 defeats.

Feyenoord return to action on Sunday against Twente, a fixture that will usher them into the winter break, and could prove pivotal for a manager whose status is already under intense pressure.