Eric Ramsay has become the youngest boss in MLS history after leaving his role as Manchester United first-team coach to take over at Minnesota United in his first senior managerial job.
Welshman Ramsay, who had a modest non-league playing career, joined United under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021.
The 32-year-old became the youngest British coach to achieve the Uefa Pro Licence while he was a youth coach at Chelsea in 2019, having previously been academy manager at Shrewsbury Town and coached at Swansea City while the club was in the Premier League.
United said Ramsay’s final match as part of Erik ten Hag’s staff will be the Manchester derby at Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
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“His responsibilities will be shared across the rest of the coaching team for the remainder of the season,” United added, wishing Ramsay and Minnesota “a successful future together” in a reply to the club’s Instagram post about the appointment.
Former City, Everton and Sheffield United attacker Adrian Heath had been Minnesota’s manager until October, with New Zealander Cameron Knowles working in an interim capacity since then.
Minnesota manager Ramsay ‘excited’
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining a club with such a strong football culture, a fanatic fan-base and a brilliant infrastructure,” said Ramsay.
“I’ve spoken to a lot of the club’s staff throughout the process and you can’t help but feel everyone’s passion for moving the club forward.
“There is a really exciting pathway for the future of the club and I’m looking forward to playing my role in realising that vision.
“I thank the club for putting its faith in me and I hope it’s the start of another successful period for everyone connected with Minnesota United.”
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Minnesota’s chief soccer officer, Khaled El-Ahmad, said Ramsay’s arrival was the conclusion of an “extensive search”.
“His experience working with top-level players, coaches, and sporting staff at both the club and international level – as well as his alignment in playing style and development philosophy – all fit with the vision we have for the future,” said El-Ahmad.
“Beyond his soccer pedigree, he is a genuine person who is aligned with the values and culture at the club.
“He speaks several languages, has experience in managing a multi-cultural locker room at the highest level and understands the importance of community engagement and the value of a passionate fanbase.”
Minnesota, whose players include Finland striker Teemu Pukki, beat Austin 2-1 in a dominant display in their opening game of the campaign on Sunday.
The club won their opening game of the MLS season 2-1 against Austin FC on Sunday.
