Manchester United’s current struggles have once again dragged their former manager back into the headlines.
Fans at Old Trafford are still reeling after a slow start to the new Premier League campaign and many continue to debate whether the club truly progressed under Erik ten Hag.
The Portuguese successor Ruben Amorim has endured a similarly rocky start, which has inevitably reignited comparisons with the Dutchman’s reign.
Across social media and fan forums, United supporters remain divided over whether Ten Hag’s dismissal last season was premature or simply inevitable after their lowest league finish in over half a century.
Meanwhile, United’s upcoming fixtures against Chelsea, Brentford and Sunderland are being billed as pivotal in shaping the direction of their campaign as well as Amorim’s future, while rival clubs continue to strengthen their grip at the top of the table.
Against this backdrop, Erik ten Hag has unexpectedly made news abroad with his latest career decision.
After an ill-fated and record-breaking short spell at Bayer Leverkusen—where he was dismissed after just two Bundesliga matches, the fastest sacking in the league’s history—the Dutchman has turned down an immediate managerial return.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
According to Dutch outlet Telegraaf, FC Twente approached Erik ten Hag about becoming their next manager, but the 55-year-old chose to reject the offer.
The key reason behind his decision is financial as well as strategic.
Accepting the Twente role now would have affected his €6 million (£5.2 million) severance package from Leverkusen, which reportedly works out to an eye-watering €100,000 (£86,631) per day.
For Ten Hag, patience is proving far more profitable than rushing back into management.
In a statement following his Leverkusen exit, Ten Hag explained that the club’s summer upheaval—losing many of the key players who had previously driven success—meant there was never the necessary time or trust to build a new side.
“A new coach deserves the space to implement his vision, set the standards, shape the squad and leave his mark on the style of play,” he said.
He added that the relationship with Leverkusen was “unprecedented” and lacked the mutual trust he believes is essential.
Ten Hag’s decision highlights a principle that shaped his Old Trafford tenure: he will only take the next step in his career when the right conditions and full backing are in place, even if that means sitting tight while the compensation from Germany continues to roll in.
