Erik ten Hag to copy Marco Silva with ‘surprise’ new job after Bayer Leverkusen disaster

Erik ten Hag’s new job has come as a surprise – but he could be following Marco Silva’s pathway to rebuild his reputation.

That is the verdict from European football broadcaster Andy Brassell, who believes his new role may have been the only one that’s available.

Ten Hag was officially unveiled as FC Twente’s new technical director this week, returning to the club where he made his name as a player.

The former Manchester United boss had been out of work since his brutal axing by Bayer Leverkusen in September.

Ten Hag was sacked by the Bundesliga club just three games into his tenure, which came less than a year after his Old Trafford dismissal.

The Dutchman was shortlisted for the Wolves job before Rob Edwards emerged as the club’s top candidate to replace Vítor Pereira.

Ten Hag also emerged as a candidate to replace John Heitinga at old team Ajax, but has now swapped the dugout for the boardroom.

The 55-year-old will join Twente from February 1, but he will not begin his technical director role until the start of next season.