The 2024 American soccer season is ready to kick off with the latest season of Major League Soccer (MLS), starting with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami facing off against Real Salt Lake later this week. The inaugural match of the new season is scheduled for Wednesday, February 21st.
As the start of the season approaches, MLS outfit Minnesota United, currently without a permanent manager, is searching for a suitable candidate to take on the role of their new boss. They have identified a potential candidate from the Manchester United dugout – their assistant coach, Eric Ramsay for the job.
Minnesota United close to hiring Eric Ramsay as head coach
Minnesota United’s head coach position has been vacant since last fall when they relieved Adrian Heath of his duties following a six-year managerial stint at the Minneapolis club. This decision was made with two games remaining in last season’s campaign.
For the fifth consecutive season, the Loons failed to secure an MLS playoff spot, finishing three points behind 9th place San Jose. They ended the season in 11th position in the MLS Western Conference standings, amassing a total of 41 points with 10 wins, 11 draws, and 13 defeats throughout the season.
The Loons are interested in Welsh coach Eric Ramsay, who is part of the coaching staff at Old Trafford. According to The Athletic, the American team has been actively engaging in discussions with the Premier League club to secure their assistant manager, who is working alongside Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
Negotiations are currently underway to finalize the deal, with the Minnesota club confident in their strategy to secure Ramsay before their MLS regular season opener against Austin this Saturday. They aim to kick off the fresh season on a high note and overcome the disappointment of their previous campaign.
Minnesota United’s Eric Ramsay will be youngest coach in the MLS
Eric Ramsay holds a UEFA Pro License and joined Old Trafford’s backroom staff in 2021. He has worked alongside four different Manchester United bosses: Michael Carrick, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Ralf Rangnick, and currently Erik ten Hag. He has been a significant member of the coaching staff.
Ramsay’s potential arrival in America would mark him as the youngest-ever head coach in the MLS’s entire history at 32 years old, surpassing New York City FC boss Nick Cushing, who is 39. His transfer to Allianz Field could be finalized in the coming days, following the strong conviction from Minnesota United.
Previously, Yoann Damet was appointed as FC Cincinnati’s caretaker manager at 29 in 2019. And Roy Wegerle managed the Colorado Rapids while he was a 32-year-old, but only for three games in 1996.
