Chris Armas says Manchester United coaching role ‘was an incredible learning experience’ despite reportedly being mocked with ‘Ted Lasso’ jibes by the squad – and claims he ‘never took a day off’ at Old Trafford
- Chris Armas spent six months at Manchester United under Ralf Rangnick
- He was reportedly mocked by some players but loved his time at the club
- We never thought it would be ‘warrior’ Bruno Fernandes, but where would Man United be without their captain? Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Former Manchester United assistant Chris Armas has said his time at the club was ‘an incredible learning experience’, despite some members of the squad reportedly comparing him to Ted Lasso.
Armas had been fired by MLS’ New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC when Ralf Rangnick, United’s interim manager during the 2021-2022 season, brought in the American as an assistant under him at Old Trafford.
And even though Armas was only there for six months, it’s clear the experience still holds a special place in his heart.
“Learning from the Premier League, watching what other managers do in the game, the compactness with which teams play there, you see it up close – we’ve played some Champions League… just a really incredible learning experience,” he began Offside against Taylor Twellman.
‘I learned from the players and other coaches there – if you are smart enough you can listen and watch and have discussions with a Cristiano (Ronaldo), an Edi Cavani in a little Spanish, Juan Mata… Bruno Fernandes’, he said. continued. “It’s not every day and usual that you can be around these guys. So look at them, look at the habits, look and listen and have a conversation.
Chris Armas worked under interim manager Ralf Rangnick at Manchester United from 2021 to 2022
The pair, seen at Anfield, struggled to get results as United finished well outside the top four
‘I didn’t take a day off there. I learned a lot and came back with even more confidence and knowledge.’
It was a disappointing season for United, who sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November 2021 and finished 13 points behind the top four in sixth place under Rangnick.
And according to an earlier report from ESPNSome United players did not fully believe in Armas – who had never coached North America before – as they would compare him to Ted Lasso on the training pitch.
Either way, it’s clear that Armas has no regrets about his move to the Premier League.
Armas was reportedly compared to Ted Lasso by certain Manchester United players
‘It was heaven-sent. A lot of times I was probably the first one to get there every day, and I was the last one to leave,” he said.
‘Just walking through the corridors at night, the culture with the young players, the 1990s, what we all saw at Manchester United. Sir Alex, I’ve read the books, but to just feel what a special place it is, and I’m now on the inside learning from Ralf Rangnick… how to deal with these great personalities and top talent.’
Armas returned to the Premier League in January last year to help Jesse Marsch’s survival bid at Leeds, but the former RB Leipzig manager was sacked just a month later and Armas soon followed him out the door.
Armas was hired by Colorado Rapids of the MLS in November.
