D.C. United announced on Tuesday evening that the club acquired Chris McCann off of waivers from Atlanta United. McCann, who spent two years in the United States with the current MLS Cup Champions, is capable of playing multiple positions, whether in midfield or defense. The 31-year-old may challenge for the starting center back position alongside Steven Birnbaum, or provide depth there, as well as at defensive midfielder or left back. 

McCann has a green card, which for United's purposes, means that he will not occupy an international roster spot. The Black-and-Red do not currently have room for another international player without a green card. McCann will join up with his new team in Clearwater, Florida, as United head back south to finish off their preparation for the beginning of the season.

“We are excited to acquire Chris and add real quality, versatility and experience to our group," Dave Kasper, D.C. United general manager and VP of soccer operations, said in a statement released by the team.

McCann, who appeared in 45 league games over two seasons with the Five Stripes, was waived by Atlanta at the end of last week. In 2018, he had a guaranteed salary of $588,000, as per information released by the MLS Players Association. However, according to the Washington Post, D.C. will be on the hook for just the senior minimum salary of $70,250. One way or the other, Atlanta is responsible for making up the difference. 

Before coming to MLS, the Irishman spent his entire career playing in England. Most of his time was spent with Burnley and Wigan. With Burnley, he played one season in the English Premier League, and with Wigan, he played a season in League One. All of the other years with the two clubs saw McCann battling in the Championship, England's second tier. 

McCann was mostly a reserve with Atlanta in 2017, but he did start 12 of Atlanta's last 14 games in 2018, after Greg Garza went down with an injury. McCann himself picked up an injury in the final regular season game, and missed some time in the playoffs. He did get into two playoff games after returning, including a late cameo in Atlanta's 2-0 win over the Portland Timbers to claim the MLS Cup.

At left back, where McCann featured during Garza's absence, Joseph Mora is the incumbent for the Black-and-Red. There is a decent chance that Mora goes with Costa Rica to this summer's Gold Cup, which would open up some playing time for McCann. But with the ability to fill in as a defensive midfielder and center back as well, there could be other opportunities for McCann to get onto the field. 

D.C. United open up the 2019 season by hosting McCann's former team, Atlanta United, March 3 at Audi Field.