Manchester United legend Gary Neville has slammed Ralf Rangnick’s squad for reportedly nicknaming Chris Armas ‘Ted Lasso’, describing the name-calling as ‘disgusting’ and ‘disrespectful’.
Armas was appointed Rangnick’s right-hand man following his move to Old Trafford in December, with the German valuing the American’s hand-on training methods and his front-foot philosophy.
However, Armas has never managed outside of North America and reports last week claimed the United squad had nicknamed him ‘Ted Lasso’ – after the fictional soccer coach who was thrust into managing AFC Richmond in the hit Apple+ comedy show.
While it’s been dismissed as a joke in some quarters, Neville believes it sums up the ‘disrespectful’ nature of the squad and he feels it’s ‘disgusting’.
‘The fact they were describing the number two of Ralf Rangnick as Ted Lasso, I didn’t find it funny at all. I found it disrespectful, I found it disgusting,’ Neville told Sky Sports.
‘In fact, it actually summed up what I think of them, they are disrespectful.
‘I think if I was Ralf Rangnick and his number two, I would gain strength from that because I wouldn’t want to be on the same page as some of those players who are leaking that story.’
United’s board are now in the process of identifying their next manager and hope to interview candidates in the coming weeks.
Reports last week claimed the players favour Mauricio Pochettino, while Rangnick is said to want Erik Ten Hag from Ajax.
But Neville says the players should have absolutely no say in the club’s next manager and they should instead focus on winning football matches.
‘They’re obviously going to appoint…
Source : metro
