Manchester United assistant Eric Ramsay is appointed Minnesota United head coach as the 32-year-old becomes the youngest boss in MLS: ‘I thank the club for putting faith in me’

Minnesota United have hired Eric Ramsey as their next head coach, the MLS side announced on Monday.

Ramsay, 32, becomes the youngest coach in Major League Soccer upon his arrival.

He joins Minnesota United after serving as an assistant coach for Manchester United in the Premier League under Erik ten Hag. Ramsey has also previously worked with the Wales national team, Chelsea, Swansea, and Shrewsbury Town.

‘I’m incredibly excited to be joining a club with such a strong football culture, a fanatic fan base, and a brilliant infrastructure,’ Ramsay said. ‘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 realizing 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.’

Ramsey joins Major League Soccer after serving as an assistant coach at Manchester United 

Minnesota United won their 2024 season opener against Austin FC, 2-1, this past weekend

Minnesota United have been without a permanent coach since October when they parted ways with longtime coach Adrian Heath and technical director Mark Watson. Before hiring Ramsey, the club leaned on two interim coaches – Sean McAuley and Cameron Knowles – as they failed to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs last season.

The Loons finished with a 10-11-13 record, sitting 11th in the Western Conference. As a result, they missed the postseason for the third time in their seven-year history and first in five seasons.

Ramsay will take over a squad led by striker Teemu Pukki and midfielder Emanuel Reynoso. Additionally, he will have Robin Lod and Bongokuhle Hlongwane as key pieces to his attack and rising Canadian international Dayne St. Clair in goal.

“After an extensive search that included dozens of impressive domestic and international candidates, we are confident that Eric Ramsay is the best choice to lead our club,” Minnesota chief soccer officer Khaled El-Ahmad said in a release. “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 of MNUFC.

“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 multicultural locker room at the highest level, and understands the importance of community engagement and the value of a passionate fanbase. He fits everything that MNUFC is about, and we are looking forward to welcoming Eric to Minnesota United FC.”

Minnesota United started their season with a 2-1 win over Austin FC this past weekend. Their next game comes against reigning MLS Cup Champions Columbus Crew on Saturday.