Chris Armas to join Manchester United coaching staff according to media reports

Chris Armas, former coach of Toronto FC will join Manchester United coaching staff, according to media reports of ESPN. 

According to the news released by the sports channel and as stated by journalist Fabrizio Romano, Armas will become the new assistant coach of Ralf Rangnick, current Manchester United coach. 

It is expected that when the American coach receives the necessary permission to work in Europe, the Red Devils will officially confirm the new member of the coaching staff. 

Armas, 49, a former Los Angeles Glaxy, Chicago Fire and USMNT player, was the head coach of the New York Red Bulls from 2018-20. 

It was in 2019 when Rangnick became head of sport and development at Red Bull, the MLS franchise owner, so he is familiar with the American's work, having been director of soccer at RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg.  

However this news comes as a surprise as Armas, a former Puerto Rico and U.S. international player, took over Toronto FC in January 2021, but was fired in July after a 7-1 loss to DC United.

Chris Armas' numbers as a coach before leaving for Manchester United

Chris Armas' numbers in his two coaching stints at both New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC are what make the news of his departure to European soccer so surprising. 

In those two periods, Armas played 86 games, with a total of 35 wins, 13 draws and 37 defeats. Therefore, the opportunity given to him by one of Europe's great teams is very surprising.  

While Armas' coaching numbers are not as strong, let's not forget that it was he who led the New York Red Bulls to win a Supporter's Shield in 2019.  

If he is hired by the Red Devils, it would confirm that the idea of Manchester is for Armas to take the place left vacant by Michael Carrick, a legendary player of the team. 

Although Carrick had the formal offer before Armas, he decided to step aside and not work alongside the former Schalke 04 and Leipzig coach. 

According to reports from the board and the player himself, Carrick has left the club as he looks to begin his career as a first-team coach. 

For this reason, Rangnick has reportedly communicated with the team's board and Armas, who has already accepted the position and is only waiting for the legal document that will allow him to go to work in the Premier League. 

Armas' past as a player

Although Chris Armas has not yet established himself as a coach, as a player, his story was different. 

His track record includes:

1 U.S. Soccer Player of the Year Award.

2 Gold Cup-Sieger of the United States

1 Supporter's Shield

4 US Open Cup 

1 MLS Cup

The now coach was also a great element as with Los Angeles Galaxy he scored a total of 6 goals and made 2 assists. 

But his numbers improved when he moved to Chicago Fire FC, where he scored 10 goals and connected 28 assists.  

His time with the USMNT was also very good, as he played 66 games under Bruce Arena and scored 2 goals.