Minnesota United manager Eric Ramsay is reportedly being considered for the vacant position at Southampton, sources have informed CBS Sports. Southampton is currently in the formative stages of seeking a new coach to lead them in the Championship next season, following a challenging Premier League campaign that saw them accumulate just 11 points from 34 games. Ramsay is understood to be among several individuals being evaluated by the Saints as they plan for an immediate return to the top division.
Ramsay, 33 years old, is highly regarded within the English football scene. His career includes time working as a player development coach at Chelsea before moving to Manchester United, where he held a similar role under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He also provided assistance to the Welsh national team during this period.
When he took charge at Minnesota in February 2024, he became the youngest permanent head coach in the history of Major League Soccer (MLS). In his debut season, he successfully guided the club to a sixth-place finish in the Western Conference, earning them a spot in the conference semifinals. With nine games played in the current 2025 campaign, United is currently positioned third in the Western Conference.
Ramsay has previously spoken about his openness to considering job opportunities beyond the English-speaking world should he depart MLS. His proficiency in Spanish and French would undoubtedly be beneficial in this regard. Speaking to the BBC in February, he commented: “Sometimes the coaches who arrive at the top level in England are those who have been across various countries. 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.”
“It is a really interesting one and riles up lots of debate. I genuinely feel the level of coaching in England is in a really impressive place. Maybe coming back from MLS, there are a few more trodden paths to other places than there are from the Championship.”
Nonetheless, the managerial role at Southampton would represent a significant opportunity for Ramsay. Despite their recent relegation, the Saints are widely expected to be among the frontrunners for promotion from the Championship. The situation might also present a chance for a squad rebuild, potentially involving the departure of highly-rated young players such as Tyler Dibbling and Mateus Fernandes from St. Mary`s.
Simon Rusk is currently serving as Southampton`s interim head coach, which is his second temporary spell in the role this season. Rusk first took the helm when Russell Martin, described as the man who had secured promotion, was sacked in December. Ivan Juric departed earlier this month, having overseen 16 games with a record of two wins and thirteen losses.
Dominic Ashworth