Erik ten Hag explains his loyalty in FC Twente programme notes

Erik ten Hag made it clear in his pre-match press conference that in facing his former side FC Twente, it is still the club he supports.

The Dutchman had three spells as a player at FC Twente as a player and worked as a manager at his former club before his career reached greater heights at Ajax before Manchester United.

Tonight he gets the chance to take on Joseph Oosing’s FC Twente side in the Europe League, in what will be an emotional occasion no doubt – but not as far as we’re concerned.

Ten Hag has stressed in his programme notes that the objective remains the same. United must win the match like they set out to do against every opponent.

The United manager explained his association with FC Twente and revealed that he still has friends who work at the club. We can only imagine it’s an association that will go on for however long Ten Hag’s career does because the admiration is mutual.

BBC reporter Simon Stone shared a snippet of Ten Hag’s programme notes on X, formerly known as Twitter, quoting the manager as saying: “I have many friends still involved with Twente and it will be great to welcome them and the club’s fans.

“But I must be clear, I will not be changing the demands of my team. Now my loyalty is to United.”

Erik ten Hag in prog: “I have many friends still involved with Twente and it will be great to welcome them and the club’s fans. But I must be clear, I will not be changing the demands of my team. Now my loyalty is to United.”

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) September 25, 2024

Never in doubt

Ten Hag is a professional and his commitment to the cause has never been in doubt, as far as I’m concerned.

Like I said previously, Ten Hag built his career at Twente and managed the club too. He moved on to better things and it will be a special night for all involved.

The priority for United is still getting the win and starting our Europa League campaign positively.

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