A Rising Star in MLS: Eric Ramsay’s Journey
Eric Ramsay, the 33-year-old Welshman, has made a significant impact in his first full season as the head coach of Minnesota United, leading the team to a commendable sixth spot in the MLS Western Conference in 2024. Ramsay’s decision to take the helm in MLS rather than the Championship has been a pivotal one, driven by a desire to gain valuable experience in a league that, while competitive, offers more stability for young managers.
Ramsay’s journey to Minnesota United is a testament to his ambition and strategic thinking. After graduating from Loughborough University with a degree in sports science and management, he honed his skills at several notable clubs, including Swansea, Shrewsbury, Chelsea, and Manchester United. His work at Chelsea and Manchester United, where he served as a player development coach under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, provided him with the foundational experience he needed to make the leap to a head coaching role. "I had reached a logical point to pursue an opportunity like this," Ramsay explained. "I had two-and-a-half years at Chelsea, been with the Welsh national team, and two-and-a-half years at Man Utd – and two-and-a-half years there can feel like five or six."
The Decision to Move to MLS
Ramsay’s decision to join Minnesota United in March 2023 was not taken lightly. He recognized the challenges and opportunities that MLS presented, particularly in terms of his long-term career development. "I wanted an experience that was going to give me the best chance to develop, the opportunity to make some mistakes and manage something that feels big," he shared with BBC Sport. "It feels like there is scrutiny on MLS. There is media to deal with. There is pressure you have to deal with, albeit not to the same extent as England."
The move to MLS was also influenced by the stark statistics of managerial longevity in the Championship. Of the 18 managers who started the 2023 season in the Championship, only two—Leeds and Middlesbrough—still had the same manager in place. By contrast, Ramsay is on track to become one of the 17 MLS bosses, out of a possible 29, to have been in charge for more than a year. "The Championship would have been equally as testing, if not more so, but with that constant nagging doubt, looking objectively, that there is a much shorter life-cycle for guys who go into that league," Ramsay noted. "All round this was a relatively sensible decision."
Navigating the Coaching Landscape
Ramsay is part of a growing trend of MLS clubs entrusting their teams to young, ambitious coaches. At 33, he is the youngest coach in MLS, following the footsteps of 31-year-old Fabian Hurzeler at Brighton and 32-year-old Will Still at Ligue 1 side Lens. This trend reflects a shift in the league’s approach to leadership, valuing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
Ramsay’s move to MLS also addresses a broader issue in the coaching world: the limited opportunities for British coaches. "The coaching world has not been open for British coaches," he acknowledged. "I feel like if you lost your first or second job as a coach in the Championship, you wouldn’t then have a case to go and look across the continent to where your next job might be. It is not a well-trodden path."
The MLS Experience: A Path to Future Success
For Ramsay, the experience gained in MLS is not just about the present but also about the future. He believes that the exposure he is getting in the United States will open doors that might have remained closed had he stayed in England. "Sometimes the coaches who arrive at the top level in England are those who have been across various countries," he explained. "Their status is safer because there are more jobs available. It feels a little bit more open. I had that in mind when I went to MLS."
Ramsay’s time in MLS has already provided him with valuable insights into the North American sports landscape. The league’s growing popularity and investment in infrastructure have created a dynamic environment that fosters growth and development. "The level of coaching in England is in a really impressive place," he acknowledged. "Maybe coming back from MLS, there are a few more trodden paths to other places than there are from the Championship."
A Closer Look at Minnesota United
Under Ramsay’s leadership, Minnesota United has shown signs of significant progress. The team’s sixth-place finish in the Western Conference is a testament to his tactical acumen and ability to manage a diverse group of players. Ramsay’s approach emphasizes team cohesion and adaptability, qualities that have been crucial in navigating the competitive landscape of MLS.
The 2024 season kicked off with a challenging match against LAFC, and Ramsay is keen to build on the momentum from the previous year. "We have a clear vision and a strong team culture," he said. "Our focus is on continuous improvement, and we are committed to achieving our goals both on and off the field."
Reflections on Manchester United and the Premier League
Despite the 4,000-mile distance, Ramsay remains closely connected to his roots and keeps a keen eye on events at Old Trafford. The situation at Manchester United, which has seen the club struggle with consistency and managerial changes, is a complex and multifaceted issue. "The Manchester United situation is incredibly complex," Ramsay reflected. "I can only speak from the experience I had across three or four coaches, if you include Michael Carrick. You do have a lot of very good people doing their absolute best to get the club back on track amid what is an ever more competitive Premier League."
Ramsay’s insights into the Premier League highlight the increasing competition and the challenges faced by traditional powerhouses. "You are not talking just the traditional top four, you are talking between eight or 10 teams who can make an incredible mark on the top three or four," he observed. "It has become far more difficult than it ever was for Manchester United, and that’s without taking into account everything they have gone through when it comes to change and transition in leadership."
Despite the challenges, Ramsay remains optimistic about the future of Manchester United. "I do genuinely feel there will be an incredible amount of good work going on behind the scenes," he concluded. "It is just whether it can bear fruit in comparison to all the good work and huge amounts of money other clubs are spending."
