Minnesota United`s head coach, Eric Ramsay, is reportedly a candidate being considered by Southampton for their managerial position, according to sources. Southampton is currently in the early stages of searching for a coach to guide them in the Championship next season, following a difficult Premier League campaign where they accumulated only 11 points from 34 matches. Ramsay is among several individuals being evaluated as the Saints aim for an immediate return to the top flight.
Ramsay, 33, is recognized as a highly promising figure in English football, having worked as a player development coach at Chelsea before moving to Manchester United. At United, he continued in a player development role under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and also contributed to the Welsh national team coaching staff.
When he took charge of Minnesota in February 2024, he became the youngest permanent head coach in the history of MLS. In his inaugural season, he led the team to a sixth-place finish in the Western Conference, securing a spot in the conference semifinals. Early in the 2025 season, with nine games played, United currently occupies third place in the Western Conference standings.
Ramsay has previously stated his openness to considering job opportunities outside the English-speaking football world if he were to leave MLS. His fluency in Spanish and French would undoubtedly be beneficial in such a move. Speaking in February, he commented that coaches who reach the highest levels in England often have experience in various countries, which he believes provides more security due to a wider range of available jobs. He indicated this was a factor in his decision to move to MLS.
Regarding the quality of coaching, Ramsay finds it a stimulating topic for discussion. He genuinely feels that the standard of coaching within England is currently very impressive. However, upon potentially returning from MLS, he suggested there might be more established routes for coaches coming from places other than the Championship.
Despite their recent struggles, a move to Southampton would represent a significant opportunity for Ramsay. The Saints are expected to be strong contenders for promotion from the Championship. There might also be a chance to reshape the squad, potentially if highly-rated young players like Tyler Dibbling and Mateus Fernandes depart from St. Mary`s.
Simon Rusk is currently serving as Southampton`s interim head coach for the second time this season. His initial temporary spell began after Russell Martin, the manager who achieved promotion, was dismissed in December. Ivan Juric was the most recent manager before Rusk`s current tenure, having left earlier this month after overseeing 16 games with a record of two wins and thirteen losses.
Adrian Whitmore