Erik ten Hag has decided to open a new chapter in football after successive dismissals at Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen.
After establishing himself as one of the leading coaches in Europe during his four-year stint at Ajax, Erik ten Hag’s reputation took a hit after being dismissed at Manchester United following a poor start to the 2024/25 season.
United hired Ruben Amorim and his successor in November 2024, with Ten Hag’s highlights being triumphs in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup to end a six-year trophy drought that existed before the Dutchman arrived at Old Trafford.
However, it was announced this week that United sacked Amorim following a 14-month run as head coach.
With Ruben Amorim SACKED, where will Manchester United finish in 2025/26?
Let's see your predictions!
Darren Fletcher will take charge of United’s first team when they face Burnley in the Premier League on Wednesday night, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a strong contender for the interim role that could see him given a six-month contract to return to the hot seat.
It turns out that this week has proven to mark another big moment for a former United manager as Ten Hag made a return to employment.
Erik ten Hag returns to FC Twente as Technical Director
Former United manager Ten Hag has landed a new job – but as a technical director rather than a manager.
Ten Hag was sacked by Bayer Leverkusen in September after just three matches in charge.
The Dutchman replaced Xavi Alonso, who left to take over at Real Madrid, but he was dismissed after picking up just one point in his opening two games, before being sacked after the third.
In a turn of events, Ten Hag will be returning to FC Twente, where his professional career began in 1989. He had three stints at the club as a player.
Ten Hag will become FC Twente’s Technical Director on February 1 after agreeing on terms with the club. He takes over from Jan Streuer, who will retire at the end of the season.
“I think it’s wonderful and special to return to FC Twente, where I’ve been a supporter at Het Diekman since I was a young boy,” Ten Hag said in a statement on FC Twente’s official website.
“My football and coaching careers began here.
“With my experience in youth development, team building, and elite sports culture, I want to strengthen FC Twente’s technical foundation together with the Supervisory Board, management, and staff, so the club can sustainably realize its potential as a regional flagship.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first caretaker spell at Man Utd was UNREAL
Why do you think it went so well for Ole?
Man Utd record against FC Twente
United have only played FC Twente once in their history.
The two clubs faced off in the Europa League in September 2024, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
It saw Ten Hag come up short against what were his former club, but now he returns, although in a different capacity than before.
United may be keeping an eye out on FC Twente if they return to European competition.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
