United Beyond Manchester

Manchester United assistant coach Eric Ramsay is moving on to become the manager at Minnesota United FC in MLS. Ramsay, 32, will become the youngest manager in the history of the league. This is a deserved next step for the Welshman, and United fans will be keeping tabs on him. So, what led to Ramsay becoming a manager at just 32 years old?

Before Coaching

Eric Ramsay’s experience did not come from the pitch, but from the court. Ramsay was a standout futsal player while studying at Loughborough University and even captained the Welsh team during the UEFA Futsal Euro 2014 Qualifying campaign. While at university, Ramsay studied Sports Science and Management and graduated with the highest honors. The standout student’s first coaching opportunity came quickly after he graduated.

Positions Before Manchester United

Eric Ramsay’s first coaching position came at Swansea City, where he was the manager for the U18 side. While at Swansea, he coached players like Joe Rodon, Connor Roberts, and former Red Daniel James. He spent almost three years there before becoming the Academy Manager at Shrewsbury Town.

After moving to Shrewsbury Town, Ramsay spent a little under two years at the club before becoming an Assistant Manager at just 26 years-old. He only needed 252 days to get his first big move.

In July of 2019, Eric Ramsay became the Assistant Manager for Chelsea’s U23 side. Ramsay coached players like Antonio Rudiger, Reece James, and Billy Gilmour during his time at Cobham. He spent two years at Chelsea before a recommendation from Kieran McKenna landed him at Manchester United.

Ramsay’s Time at Manchester United

Eric Ramsay was recommended to Ole Gunnar Solksjaer by Kieran McKenna, who studied with Ramsay while at Loughborough University in Leicestershire. He took over as the First Team Coach at Manchester United in 2021.

At United, Ramsay worked under Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, Ralf Rangnick, and Erik Ten Hag. It speaks to his ability that he was kept even as managers came and went multiple times during his spell. Ramsay’s ability to speak English, French, and Spanish allowed him to help newcomers integrate into the squad, which helped players such as Casemiro become important assets to the squad quickly.

In 2023, Ramsay was noticed by the Wales FA and joined as an Assistant Manager while still serving at Manchester United. Wales Manager Rob Page said this about Eric Ramsay when he joined the coaching staff. “Eric is arguably one of the best young coaches in football at this moment in time.”

Eric Ramsay’s undeniable talent has landed him his first position as a Manager with Minnesota United.

A Look at the Minnesota United Job

Minnesota United joined Major League Soccer in 2015 as the league’s 23rd team. The club has made the MLS Playoffs four times and the semifinals once.

In the 2023 season, Minnesota United finished in the bottom half of the MLS and missed the playoffs. This led to a firing of manager Adrian Heath and the club’s technical director.

Minnesota United have already played their first game of the MLS season and won 2-1 over Austin FC.

Eric Ramsay will take over Minnesota United after the Manchester derby and will look to turn the club’s fortunes around. Ramsay will hope that he can lead the club to its first trophy, whether it is the league title or the US Open Cup.

With a strong reputation and plenty of promise, Eric Ramsay will take over a struggling Minnesota United club with hopes of bringing success. Depending on his success, Ramsay may be moving back across the Atlantic to manage in Europe in a few years.

The Manchester United supporters thank Eric Ramsay for his service to the club and wish him all the best in the future!