Ralf Rangnick adds ex-MLS coach Chris Armas and Sascha Lense to coaching staff at Manchester United
According to The Metro, Manchester United interim manager, Ralf Rangnick has added former New York Red Bulls coach Chris Armas and sports psychologist Sascha Lense to his coaching staff at Old Trafford.
The German recently took over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer until the end of the current season. He led Man United to a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in his first game in charge earlier this weekend. The wheels continue to churn behind the scenes as well as Rangnick continues to incorporate key pieces of his support staff.
A high-demanding manager, Rangnick is a visionary whose game style requires much precision. It would appear that he is keen to bring in his own people despite being affiliated with a short-term managerial role.
The 63-year-old Rangnick has a close relationship with Armas. The pair worked together under the Red Bull umbrella and are familiar with each other. Armas was sacked by FC Toronto and was available to be recruited by the Red Devils.
It was not just Solskjaer who left his role at Old Trafford this month. Michael Carrick also left the club after leading them to two wins and a draw as caretaker manager ahead of Rangnick’s appointment.
Whether Armas replaces the Englishman in the Man United backroom or his appointment would have happened regardless is debatable. There is a long road to go as far as the Old Trafford rebuild is concerned. While there were telltale signs of his vision against Palace, Rangnick’s efforts will take time to bear fruit.
Securing Armas is a welcome piece of news for Rangnick. Especially so after his trusted former assistant, Lars Kornetka chose to stay on and take over the German’s role at Lokomotiv Moscow.
Curiously enough, another one of Rangnick’s assistants, Jesse Marsch was fired by RB Leipzig earlier this week. Whether a punt will be made to land him too remains to be seen.
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Man United are currently on a hiring spree and are also closing in on landing sports psychologist Sascha Lense to their backroom staff. Given how fragile we have appeared of late, it is fair to say that Lense will have some real work on his hands in the coming months.
Whether Rangnick continues as the manager post next summer or not, he appears to be laying the groundwork on bringing in a supporting cast who really know their jobs.
