Erik ten Hag plans to return to FC Twente. (Image: Getty)
On paper, FC Twente at Old Trafford appears as a low-profile and winnable start to Manchester United'sEuropa League campaign. But for Erik ten Hag, Wednesday night will be one of his most memorable since becoming the club's manager two years ago. The Dutchman's love for Twente is like no other.
Ten Hag is a fully-fledged 'tukker' - as those from the area are referred to - having joined the academy at the age of 14 before spending 20 years as a player and coach.
His three spells at Twente as a player involved lifting the KNVB Cup, the club's second-ever major trophy at the time.
Coaching roles followed, first taking charge of the U17 team and then the U19s before his promotion to assistant manager.
Ten Hag was Fred Rutten and Steve McClaren's right-hand man until 2009, when he joined PSV Eindhoven to rekindle his working relationship with the former.
The manner of his exit turned sour. A contract dispute went to arbitration after Twente performed a U-turn on an initial decision to let Ten Hag leave for PSV.
But time heals, and if the 54-year-old wasn't in the opposition dugout at Old Trafford on Wednesday, he could have very well been in what will likely be a lively away end.
"I think it means a lot to him. He was a fan of the club," former Twente team-mate Boudewijn Pahlplatz told the Manchester Evening News.
Erik ten Hag has a long history with FC Twente. (Image: Getty)
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"He still is, but as a young kid, he went also to first-team games, watching the games. The club is in his blood."
Pahlplatz also suggested that Ten Hag's story with Twente possibly wasn't over, claiming he intends to return to the club as an executive.
He added: "Already a few years ago, I think maybe 10 years ago or something like that, he said 'one day I'm coming back to FC Twente and then I will be the chairman'."
Ten Hag's plans to do so will be in the distant future, though, as he continues to battle adversity in a bid to establish himself as a success at United.
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The Dutchman has followed up his prolific silverware hunt at Ajax with two major honours in as many seasons in Manchester - lifting the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.
But he missed out on the Europa League in his maiden year, which is something he'll be laser-focused on redeeming this term.
After Twente, United will also welcome PAOK, Bodo/Glimt and Rangers to Old Trafford in the expanded European format.
On top of that, the Red Devils face four away tests at Porto, Fenerbahce, Viktoria Plzen and Steaua Bucharest.
