“This established football set up, together with a passionate and loyal fan base, located in a special city which I know well, makes for an unparalleled opportunity that I am delighted to seize with both hands. I cannot wait to get started,” Vieira said in a statement.
Fabio Capello and Carles Puyol had been linked with coaching roles at the club, but Vieira has been selected to take the reins after a successful spell coaching sister club Manchester City’s reserve and youth teams.
The appointment will surely spark rumours that the Frenchman is being groomed for an eventual run at City’s top job, though this may be more of a long-term ambition.
He will work under another former City midfielder and NYCFC Director of Football Claudio Reyna.