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OFFICIAL: Erik ten Hag lands surprise new job
Lars Leeftink
- Updated: 6 Jan 2026 18:35 GMT
- 4 min read
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Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been appointed as technical director by FC Twente.
The Dutchman will begin his new role on 1 February, the Eredivisie club have announced. The former Ajax and Man Utd boss will succeed Jan Streuer, who will step down after this season.
This is the second time Ten Hag has taken on an administrative role in football, and he is thrilled with his new position at Twente. "I think it's wonderful and special to return to FC Twente, where I've been a fan at Het Diekman ever since I was a child.
"My football and coaching careers began here. With my experience in youth development, team building, and elite sports culture, I want to work with the Supervisory Board, management, and staff to strengthen FC Twente's technical foundation, so the club can sustainably realise its potential as a regional flagship."
Ten Hag previously served as technical director at FC Utrecht, where he also coached the team. He therefore already has some experience in the leadership role he will take up in Enschede starting next month.
Ten Hag leaves coaching - for now
Nevertheless, it's a significant change for Ten Hag, who hasn't held a position like this in almost a decade, and it is reminiscent of Jurgen Klopp's decision to take up a leadership role at Red Bull following his departure from Liverpool.
Ten Hag enjoyed success as manager of Go Ahead Eagles, Utrecht and Ajax, winning multiple championships in Amsterdam and reaching the Champions League semi-finals.
Things didn't go so smoothly for Ten Hag at Manchester United, although he won two trophies, and Bayer Leverkusen, where he was sacked after disappointing results. Leverkusen dismissed him after just two league games earlier this season.
Ten Hag grew up supporting the club and was already active as a player at Twente, making fourteen appearances in 1989/90 and 162 from 1996 to 2002. He also played another 45 matches for the Enschede club from 1992 to 1994.
One of Ten Hag's first public outings after his sacking by Man Utd in October 2024 came when he attended one of Twente's games. He knows the club inside out. The Enschede side currently sit seventh in the Eredivisie standings.
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