It’s the season of former Man Utd coaches getting jobs elsewhere, and Erik ten Hag’s assistant at the club is the latest one.
It kicked off with the biggest one, of course, with Michael Carrick becoming the permanent Man Utd manager.
Since then, the likes of Jose Mourinho, Ruben Amorim, and Kieran McKenna have changed roles/stepped down from their roles.
It’s now Erik ten Hag’s former assistant’s turn at Old Trafford to make a switch, with a homecoming on the horizon.
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Mitchell van der Gaag returns to Maritimo in Portugal
Mitchell van der Gaag was a key part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff until Ineos came in and he left to seek head coaching opportunities elsewhere.
His most recent spell was as the manager of FC Zurich, signing a two-year contract in the summer of 2025.
However, he lasted just five months in charge before being sacked, and he has been out of work ever since.
Maritimo have come calling now, who will play in the first division of the Portuguese league after promotion last season, and Van der Gaag has a special affiliation with the team.
The Dutchman used to play for Maritimo during their finest spell in the first division from 2001 to 2006, making 154 appearances.
The club clearly holds a special place in his heart, and they think the homecoming magic, combined with his pedigree of working at some top clubs, can lead to a resurgence to the glory days.
He has signed a deal for 2028, and his first season is an exciting one since he’ll take over a promoted team that won the title in the second division in 2025/26.
It would be a successful season if he manages to keep them up in his first season, and build from there.
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