Erik ten Hag has made a trip to FC Twente as he continues to contemplate his next steps following his sacking by Manchester United.
Ten Hag was dismissed from his role at Man United on October 28, after a disappointing 2-1 loss to West Ham the day before.
He flew back to the Netherlands immediately after the sacking, narrowly avoiding an awkward encounter with Omar Berrada, United’s chief executive, who had just terminated his contract.
Berrada was headed to Lisbon to negotiate with Sporting for Ruben Amorim, and the two nearly crossed paths at the airport.
Despite the abrupt end to his tenure at Old Trafford, Ten Hag’s passion for football remains undiminished.
Since losing his job, he has attended a live match each weekend.
Last Saturday, he was spotted in the stands at the Eredivisie fixture between Heracles and NAC Breda, the closest match to his hometown of Haaksbergen.
This Sunday, instead of watching Manchester United take on Leicester in the Premier League, Erik ten Hag travelled to Enschede to watch FC Twente face Ajax in a high-profile Dutch top-flight clash.
Given his connections to both clubs, he is likely to receive a warm welcome from supporters in the De Grolsch Veste stadium.
Ten Hag began his playing career at Twente in 1989 and went on to play for the club in three separate spells.
Over his career, he made 257 appearances, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists from defense before retiring in 2002.
After stints at Go Ahead Eagles, Bayern Munich reserves, and Utrecht, Ten Hag enjoyed the most successful period of his managerial career at Ajax from 2018 to 2022.
Under his leadership, Ajax won 73% of their matches, securing two Eredivisie titles and three domestic cups before he was appointed manager of Manchester United.
It remains uncertain how long Ten Hag will be out of management, following his “devastation” after being dismissed by United.
He shared his feelings in a heartfelt message to the fans, which was released on Friday, shortly after Ruben Amorim was confirmed as his successor.
“I want to thank you for giving me this feeling and for your support,” Ten Hag said.
“I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad.
“We won two trophies – achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
“Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet.
“Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end.
“I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory.
“Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home.
“Thank you for this chapter in my life. Erik.”
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