Until January, when Hernán Losada took the United job, both were in similar Belgian circles for 2½ years. Hines-Ike was a defender for Kortrijk, and Losada was an assistant and then head coach at Beerschot.
Three or four weeks ago, as Losada evaluated his D.C. roster and sought help, the Argentine called Hines-Ike. Because of conflicts with the previous Kortrijk coach, the American hadn’t played regularly this season.
Hines-Ike said he had been hearing rumblings of interest from United but didn’t take them seriously until Losada called.
“We had a nice conversation, and I explained my situation,” Hines-Ike said in an interview Monday.