Erik ten Hag has a new power in his new role that shows how his career has come full circle since 2024.
The past couple of years have been a whirlwind for Erik ten Hag….
- 2024: Wins the FA Cup at Manchester United, fired months later
- 2025: Hired at Bayer Leverkusen, sacked after just two league games
- 2026: Lands new job at FC Twente as technical director
Ten Hag was hired into his new role at FC Twente in the same week Ruben Amorim was sacked as Manchester United boss.
In his new position as technical director, Ten Hag has a new power, choosing whether to sack or keep his manager. He has already been warned about the pitfalls.
Where will Manchester United finish the league season?
Tell us who finishes where in your top six!
Erik ten Hag latest
FC Twente are fifth in the Eredivisie at present and Erik ten Hag has now signed off on a new contract for current boss John van den Brom.
The decision appears to be fair, but Dutch journalist Mike Verweij warns that Erik ten Hag’s patience might still be tested if there is a downturn of results in the future.
He told De Telegraaf’s Kick-off podcast: “I think it is entirely justified that they are extending Van den Brom’s contract, but Ten Hag is a new technical director.
“A technical director often wants to appoint his own manager, but Ten Hag could not in good conscience do that given Van den Brom’s results.
“I think it is always a very difficult situation, because if things go even slightly less well, intervention is immediate. I think it is an uncomfortable situation for both of them.”
The other side for Erik ten Hag
Erik ten Hag is now on the other side of the predicament Ineos were faced with in 2024 after he won the FA Cup.
Ineos wanted to hire their own manager, but they were swayed by trophy win and gave Ten Hag another chance.
But then as soon as results nosedived, Ineos sacked Ten Hag three months into the new season, and hired a replacement.
Erik ten Hag is now being predicted to take similar action at Twente if their results take a dip.
This is just how modern football works, but what is unique about this case is that Erik ten Hag is now on the other side of it.
It will be interesting to see if he may treat Twente’s boss with more patience considering his own experiences of being sacked in consecutive years.
Or whether the Dutchman decides to be equally as ruthless if given the opportunity to make a change.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
