Robin van Persie and Edwin van der Sar both cheered on United as they beat Aston Villa 3-2Credit: Twitter @ManUtd

It was the first game since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment was confirmedCredit: PA

Van Persie was spotted in the stadium sitting alongside former Red Devils goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

Fans believed the timing of the duo’s return perhaps hinted at Ratcliffe giving them a role at the club.

Van der Sar previously worked as CEO at Ajax and Van Persie is currently a youth-team coach at Feyenoord.

But the retired striker shut down any chances of returning to Man Utd.

He told MUTV: “Obviously, it was a bit of a coincidence that I’m here now with my wife and friends.

“When I looked at the schedule I was like if I can pick that game, I will pick that game because of course our sort of shared memories we have against Villa.”

Van Persie famously scored a hat-trick against the Midlands club in 2013 to seal United the Premier League title.

He continued: “It was one of the most special nights personally as a Manchester United player.

“Villa are doing well this year so it’s a nice game to watch.

“It’s always nice to be back. I feel that not only in the stadium but I feel it in the streets.

“This afternoon I was walking in Deansgate and the love the fans still give me is incredible.”

Van Persie reportedly rejected an offer to work on Erik ten Hag’s coaching team last year because he wanted to stay in Holland.