Erik ten Hag’s Return to FC Twente and the Aftermath of Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United Exit

Erik ten Hag has found a new role in football as technical director of FC Twente, a little over a year after leaving Manchester United. This appointment comes shortly after Manchester United dismissed Ruben Amorim, marking an expensive managerial change for the club. The situation highlights the challenges faced by Manchester United in their search for stability and success.

Ten Hag’s New Chapter at FC Twente

Erik ten Hag will officially join FC Twente on February 1st, 2026, signing a contract that extends until mid-2028. He will assume the role of technical director, succeeding Jan Streuer, who is retiring at the end of the current season. Ten Hag will begin working within the club’s football organization immediately to prepare for the 2026/2027 season. This return marks a homecoming for the Dutchman, as he began his professional career and held his first coaching positions at FC Twente. Manchester Evening News

Ruben Amorim’s Short Tenure at Manchester United

Ruben Amorim’s 14-month stint as manager of Manchester United was the shortest reign of a permanent manager at Old Trafford since David Moyes was sacked after eight months in 2014. He won 25 of his 63 games in charge, leading the team to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League – the club’s worst performance since their relegation in the 1973-74 season. United also lost the Europa League final, resulting in a lack of European football for the following season, only the second time this has happened since 1990. Manchester Evening News

Financial Implications of Managerial Changes

The changes surrounding Amorim’s appointment and subsequent dismissal have proven costly for Manchester United. The club paid Sporting £11 million to hire Amorim to replace Erik ten Hag, whose exit cost £10.4 million. The total cost associated with these managerial changes could reach £37.3 million. United has increased its available credit by £50 million to £400 million, although paying off £75 million, leaving a current debt of £215 million. Manchester Evening News

Current Situation at Manchester United

Following Amorim’s dismissal, Darren Fletcher initially served as interim manager for two games. However, Michael Carrick has been appointed as manager until the end of the season and has achieved success, winning five out of his first six games, leading the team to fourth place and positioning them well to qualify for the Champions League. Manchester Evening News

Ten Hag’s Record Compared to Amorim’s

Erik ten Hag’s initial record at Manchester United was significantly stronger than that of Ruben Amorim. Ten Hag won 41 of his first 60 games, achieving a win percentage of 68.3%, while also winning the League Cup, reaching the FA Cup final and finishing third in the league. In contrast, Amorim won 23 of his first 60 matches, with a win percentage of just 38.3%. Planet Football

Ten Hag’s Warning to Amorim

Prior to his appointment at FC Twente, Erik ten Hag issued a message that can be interpreted as a warning to his successor, Ruben Amorim. Ten Hag emphasized the need for continuous improvement, stating, “Good is not good enough,” suggesting that the standards at Manchester United must always be high. Sporting News