Minnesota United today announced that Manny Lagos will become the club’s first Chief Development Officer and also serve as Senior Technical Advisor.
“In order to continue to grow and develop our club, we have important work to do,” said MNUFC CEO, Shari Ballard. “This is true from a fan and community standpoint, from a commercial and partnership standpoint, and from a technical and competitive standpoint. Manny brings expertise and passion to all of these areas, and this role will allow us to benefit more fully from all that he can do for our club and our community.”
In his new role, Lagos will focus on helping drive commercial and business development opportunities for the club, as well as expand fan and community engagement initiatives. He will continue to provide input and advice to the club on soccer-related matters.
“I am beyond excited for this new role and the opportunity it brings both on a personal and professional level,” said Lagos. “This organization and its impact on the soccer community across Minnesota mean so much to me. I look forward to being a part of Minnesota United’s future growth and success at all levels both on and off the field.”
Lagos was appointed as the first Sporting Director in club history in January 2016 and promoted to Chief Soccer Officer ahead of the 2020 season. Prior to holding this position, he worked as Head Coach of MNUFC, taking the helm in 2010 and accruing a 78-52-59 record over six seasons, including winning the 2011 NASL Championship.
Manny began his professional career as a member of the Minnesota Thunder and was named USL MVP and inducted into the USL Hall of Fame. Lagos was a member of the 1992 U.S. Olympic Team and scored the winning goal in a 3-1 victory over Kuwait, the U.S. team’s only win of the tournament. During the inaugural MLS season in 1996, Lagos joined the NY/NJ MetroStars, where unfortunately he suffered a major knee injury, but still went on to win three MLS Cups, an MLS Supporters Shield and was named an MLS All-Star. He played for five MLS clubs during his career: the MetroStars, Chicago Fire, Tampa Bay Mutiny, San Jose Earthquakes and the Columbus Crew.
Lagos will continue to lead the club’s sporting department until a new Sporting Director/Chief Soccer Officer is hired and on-boarded.
