Leeds United proved their ill-feeling towards Manchester United burns as strongly as ever by refusing to name their Premier League rivals as they announced their latest coaching appointment.
The Whites added to Jesse Marsch’s staff on Wednesday by snapping up Chris Armas as their new assistant head coach. The former United States midfielder previously managed New York Red Bulls – where he succeeded Marsch in 2018 – and Toronto, and was teammates with the Leeds boss at Chicago Fire.
However, English football fans will be more likely to remember Armas’ name from his brief stint at Old Trafford last season, where he was a member of Ralf Rangnick’s staff and the recipient of an unwanted nickname. Rangnick was appointed Manchester United manager on an interim basis after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in November 2021.
The German struggled to improve the Red Devils’ fortunes and left the club last summer, with Armas also departing after half a year. However, Leeds refused to name their great rivals as they listed their new assistant manager’s experience in a statement.
An extract simply reads: “Last season, Armas spent time as an assistant at another Premier League club, working under Ralf Rangnick.” Leeds’ refusal to mention Manchester United comes as no surprise given the Red Devils are viewed as their greatest rivals.
The two English giants share long-standing hostilities which are rooted in the historic feud between Yorkshire and Lancashire. But that has not stopped Armas from linking up with Marsch at Elland Road after his brief stint at Old Trafford last season.
“I’m delighted to welcome Chris to Leeds United,” Marsch said upon joining forces with his compatriot once again. “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.”
(
Getty Images)
(
Getty Images)
What do you make of Leeds’ statement? Have your say in the comments…
Armas aimed to help Rangnick inspire Manchester United to a top-four finish last season, but the Red Devils limped over the line to sixth. The situation he arrives at in Yorkshire is very different, with Leeds embroiled in a relegation battle having won just four of 19 league games.
The Whites sit one point above 18th-placed Bournemouth and have a game in hand on those around them. Director of football Victor Orta is confident Armas’ arrival can give the club the boost they need.
“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.”
