Ex-Man Utd assistant Chris Armas - who players jokingly labeled 'Ted Lasso' - named boss of MLS side Colorado Rapids

The Western Conference side - who finished bottom of the division - have found their new head coach in the ex-USMNT player. In what was called an 'extensive' interview process, the Rapids chose Armas between three final candidates. They parted ways with former head coach Robin Fraser in September.

“I’m incredibly proud and excited to take the role as the head coach of the Colorado Rapids,” said Chris Armas. “This is a club that has had success in the recent past and KSE is an organization that has a strong track record of winning championships. Throughout the process I was struck by the desire of the organization to return to the playoffs and compete for trophies. I'm as hungry as ever to deliver this success to our fans and our club. I’ve always been eager to implement my style of play at a club that plays and trains at altitude. This advantage, along with high energy, attacking and entertaining football, can help our team and fans return to home field dominance. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to take the reins and to work with the entire staff to get the club back into the playoffs and ultimately to bring another MLS Cup to Colorado."

Armas's lack of success in MLS has made him a controversial figure in the league, and after two unsuccessful stints in England - with Man Utd and Leeds United - it's surprising to see him handed a head coaching job in the league again. Per The Athletic's report, current Rapids interim head coach Chris Little and Charlotte FC assistant Pa-Modou Kah were the two finalists alongside Armas.

Armas' spell at Manchester United under former manager Ralf Rangnick saw him ridiculed at times, with a 'Ted Lasso' moniker having reportedly been used by some unconvinced players to refer to their first-team coach. The American maintains that he wasn't affected by the Lasso comparisons, and while he's yet to convince as a coach, Armas' playing career saw him win the MLS Cup with the Chicago Fire, while he also triumphed in the U.S. Open Cup four times and was named in the MLS Best XI on five separate occasions.

For the Rapids, this will be the toughest offseason in club history. Legends Diego Rubio and Jack Price have already announced they're not returning, and as things stand, the roster is bleak. They will need a complete makeover if they want to compete in 2024.

For Armas, he has more than just a rebuild on his hands - he has to win back a fanbase.