Former Manchester United first-team coach Chris Armas has returned to the Premier League with Leeds United.
Armas was reportedly brutally mocked by Red Devils stars during his short spell at Old Trafford. The American arrived in December 2021 as one of the assistants to interim manager Ralf Rangnick, departing in the summer alongside the German.
Rangnick would quickly take over as head coach of the Austrian national team, though he did not bring Armas with him. Now, the American has finally made his way back into football by becoming assistant head coach to Leeds boss Jesse Marsch.
The appointment is subject to Armas obtaining a work permit, but it is expected he will be in the dugout for Saturday's FA Cup fourth round clash with League One side Accrington Stanley.
This is not the first time the duo will have worked together, with Armas having been Marsch's team-mate during their playing days at MLS side Chicago Fire. Upon their retirement, Armas then joined Marsch as an assistant at New York Red Bulls.
Together, they helped the Red Bulls win the MLS Supporters Shield, given to the team with the best regular season record, twice. Marsch departed for RB Leipzig in 2018, with Armas stepping up to replace him as head coach.
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He led them to two further play-off appearances before leaving in 2020 and going on to take charge of Toronto FC. And Marsch has revealed his delight at linking back up with Armas, this time at Elland Road.
“I’m delighted to welcome Chris to Leeds United. He will be a fantastic addition to the staff, he brings a wealth of experience from across the world and having worked closely with him previously, I am sure he will help us to improve every day,” he said.
Whites director of football Victor Orta is also happy to welcome Armas to the coaching staff, with Leeds sliding towards the relegation zone amid a six-game winless run in the top-flight.
“We always have constant ideas to improve the team around Jesse and with Chris it is a perfect fit, they have both worked together in the past and he has experience of working in the Premier League," Orta said.
“Chris was one of the best ever players in the history of the United States and his determination and skills will add value to our club and we are really happy he has joined us.”
Leeds players may be wary of Armas' past experience at the Red Devils though, after ESPN reported that some stars had 'jokingly likened' him to bumbling fictional football coach Ted Lasso, the eponymous star of the Apple+ comedy series.
Armas hit back at those claims, telling The Crack Podcast : "I'm only grateful, they treated me, I promise you all, tremendously. Upper management, coaching staff, Darren Fletcher, they treated me as if I'd been there forever and they were amazing.
"With the players, I had a really good rapport, top to bottom, young or older, or superstar. But the frustrating thing is you find yourself with this gift, like a pot of gold and I can't carry it, it's too heavy."
