Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has agreed to return to football as technical director of FC Twente, the Dutch club where he began his professional journey.
In a statement released by FC Twente, the club confirmed that Ten Hag will officially join its football structure on February 1, signing a contract that runs until mid-2028. He is expected to formally assume the role of technical director from the 2026/2027 season, succeeding long-serving official Jan Streuer, who has announced his retirement at the end of the current campaign.
The appointment marks a shift away from frontline coaching for the 55-year-old, who has been without a role since his brief and unsuccessful stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he was dismissed after just three matches earlier this season. Ten Hag had taken the job in Germany as part of efforts to rebuild his career following his departure from Manchester United in 2024, despite winning silverware in both of his full seasons at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag’s return to Twente carries strong sentimental value. He began his playing career at the club and later worked within its youth coaching system. As a player, he enjoyed notable success with the Enschede-based side, laying the foundation for his transition into management.
Announcing the move, FC Twente said Ten Hag will immediately begin working within the club’s football organisation ahead of the new season to ensure a smooth transition when he formally takes over the technical leadership.
Reacting to the appointment, Ten Hag described the move as a personal homecoming, noting that his passion for the club dates back to his childhood. He said his goal is to strengthen Twente’s technical and sporting structure by drawing on his experience in youth development, squad building and elite football culture, with the aim of helping the club achieve sustainable long-term success.
