Armas appointed assistant at Leeds United

Chris Armas has played and coached with Leeds manager Jesse Marsch

Chris Armas has played and coached with Leeds manager Jesse Marsch

CHRIS ARMAS has joined Leeds United, meaning Jesse Marsch now has two members of Ralf Rangnick’s Manchester United staff from last season as his assistants.

Armas, 50, worked under Rangnick during a hugely disappointing half a season at United, as did Ewan Sharp, who is now also assistant to Jesse Marsch at Leeds.

Armas, a former USA international, played alongside Marsch for Chicago Fire and then worked at his assistant at New York Red Bulls from 2015 to 2018. When Marsch left for Red Bull Leipzig, Armas took over from him as Head Coach of the Red Bulls.

He then went on to become boss of another MLS outfit, Toronto FC. Leeds have a heavy Red Bull influence, with not only Marsch, Armas and Sharp (who also previously worked at New York Red Bulls) on their staff, but also assistant Rene Maric and consultant Franz Schiemer, who worked at Red Bull Salzburg.

Subject to receiving a work permit, Armas will be in the dugout for Leeds’ FA Cup fourth round tie at Accrington on Saturday.

Marsch said: “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.”

Director of Football Victor Orta added: “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.

“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.”

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