Manchester United have lost first-team coach Eric Ramsey to MLS side Minnesota United, but his comments at the time of his departure echo recent criticism from Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
After being traded from Manchester United to Minnesota United, Eric Ramsey made a pointed comment about his new club’s “strong football culture”.
Ramsey is a first-team coach under Erik ten Hag at United, where he has worked since joining Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s staff in July 2021. The 32-year-old is highly regarded and became the youngest British coach to receive a UEFA Pro License in 2019.
He has been appointed as Minnesota’s new manager, replacing interim manager Cameron Knowles of the MLS side. Ramsey will leave his current role after Sunday’s Premier League derby with Manchester City, but his farewell words may sting for United.
“I’m very excited to be joining a club with such a strong football culture, passionate fan base and great infrastructure,” Ramsay said. “I have spoken to many members of the club’s staff throughout this process and can’t help but feel everyone’s passion to move the club forward.
“There is a really exciting path ahead for the club and I look forward to playing my part in realizing that vision. I would like to thank the club for the confidence they have placed in me and this is a new journey for everyone. I hope this is the start of a successful period.”He has been linked with Minnesota United. ”
Confirming the news, the Red Devils said: “We would like to thank Eric for his contribution and wish him the best of luck in his first head coaching position in the United States.” Ramsey’s words are particularly interesting given comments from the club’s new owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Last week, Ratcliffe publicly criticized the culture at the club he just bought a 27.7 per cent stake in in an interview with Belgian newspaper Des Tigides. “We need to look at the structure of the club because it’s not very good at the moment,” Ratcliffe said. “Please bring the head coach.” [Erik ten Hag] For example, you should report directly to the CEO. That is no longer possible in modern football organizations.
“Then you have to make sure you have the right people in the right positions. All of your executives have to be world class. And it’s important to create a positive, supportive, friendly and high-quality environment.” That culture was missing before. Only in such an environment can an athlete reach his full potential. If he succeeds, the results will appear automatically. That’s the plan. Yes, and I believe that.”
Ramsey joins Charlotte’s Dean Smith, Portland Timbers’ Phil Neville, Nashville’s Gary Smith, Toronto’s John Herdman and New York City’s Nick Cushing as the first British players to play in MLS. He became the sixth coach to do so.
Ramsey played for Welshpool Town and Loughborough University, where he began his coaching career alongside Kieran McKenna, who worked at United under Solskjaer and is now the manager of Ipswich. As well as United, he has previously coached at Swansea, Shrewsbury and Chelsea.
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