Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has secured a new job at Eredivisie side FC Twente, more than a year after leaving Old Trafford. Ten Hag received his marching orders from United at the end of 2024, with Ruben Amorim replacing him. The Dutch tactician occupied the star seat at Old Trafford from 2022 and led the Red Devils to two domestic trophies during his spell.
His tenure at United came to an abrupt end following a disastrous start to the 2024-25 season. Earlier this season, Bayer Leverkusen handed him the reins and showed him the door after just two league games. Leverkusen threw away a commanding 3-1 advantage in a 3-3 stalemate against 10-man Werder Bremen after losing at home to Hoffenheim.
United are currently looking for a replacement for Amorim, but former Ajax head coach ten Hag has made a beautiful return to the game. FC Twente have officially announced his appointment as technical director, with the Dutch player expected to take up the role in early February.
An official statement from the club said: “Erik ten Hag will join FC Twente on February 1. He will sign a contract until mid-2028. From the 2026/2027 season, ten Hag will replace current technical director Jan Stroyer, who recently announced his retirement at the end of this season. Ten Hag will already be working in FC Twente’s football organization in preparation for the new season.”
“Ten Hag has returned to the club where he started his professional career. He enjoyed great success as a player at FC Twente, where he took up his first coaching job.”
Speaking about his new role, Ten Hag said: “It’s wonderful and special to be back at FC Twente, where I’ve been a supporter of Het Diekmann since I was a child. My football and coaching career started here.”
“With my experience in youth development, team building and elite sports culture, I look forward to working with the supervisory board, management and staff to strengthen the technical foundations of FC Twente, so that it can continue to fulfill its potential as a regional flagship.”
Ten Hag’s appointment arrives in the same week as United are searching for a new manager. Amorim was given his marching orders on Monday and the club are currently in talks with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about a possible return before the end of the campaign.
Manager Darren Fletcher will take charge in Wednesday’s Premier League match against Burnley. There are also discussions with Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy about their possible return for the remainder of the season.
